Stomach Flu Duration: How Long does Stomach Flu Last

Across the world, viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a leading cause of death among infants and children under 5 years of age. Inadequate treatment of viral gastroenteritis kills 5 to 8 million people every year. Viral gastroenteritis refers to a condition where the stomach, small and large intestines are inflamed.

Causes of Stomach Flu

Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses including sapoviruses, rotaviruses, adenoviruses, astroviruses, type 40 or 41, and noroviruses. Contrary to popular belief, viral gastroenteritis is not caused by parasites (such as Giardia) or bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli). Reactions to certain medications or other medical conditions, may also result in similar symptoms. Only a medical practitioner can pin point the cause of these symptoms, and determine whether the diarrhea is caused by a virus.

How Does Stomach Flu Spread?

Viral gastroenteritis is a contagious illness that is spread through contact with an infected person. Sharing food, water or eating utensils with a person suffering from viral gastroenteritis spreads viral gastroenteritis. Consuming contaminated foods or beverages is another way. Food is contaminated when the people preparing or handling food do not practice hygiene. Uncooked seafood, such as shellfish can be another source of illness, if it is contaminated by sewage. A person who eats raw or undercooked shellfish which has been harvested from contaminated waters may get diarrhea. If drinking water is contaminated by sewage, it can lead to a large-scale outbreak of viral gastroenteritis.

Symptoms and Duration of Stomach Flu

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are stomach pain (abdominal cramps), frequent loose watery stools (diarrhea) and vomiting. In many cases it is accompanied by headache and fever. Usually, the symptoms are felt within a day or two after a viral gastroenteritis virus attacks the body. Duration of stomach flu depends on the severity of the attack. A person may experience the symptoms for 1 or 2 days after the virus attack and sometimes can extend up to 10 days. Conditions can become worse in case of infants, young children and people who cannot drink sufficient fluids to compensate for the dehydration caused during the illness. For these people, stomach flu can last for 3 weeks or more.

Treatment for Stomach Flu

Before treatment, the illness has to be identified. Doctors can confirm the diagnosis on the basis of symptoms and medical examination. Laboratory tests, such as a stool test, is usually carried out. While treating a patient suffering from viral gastroenteritis, the most important condition to be addressed is dehydration. After a period of diarrhea and vomiting, patient loses a lot of fluids. Thus, the goal of treatment is to replace the lost fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals), preferably through consumption of oral rehydration solution (ORS). It is available at most pharmacies and is easy to prepare. All one needs to do is, mix the powder with a certain quantity of clean or boiled water, and it is ready to drink. ORS should be consumed right from the onset of the illness. If a person has lost a lot of fluids, and is unable to consume any due to nausea, he/she may be given intravenous (directly into a vein) fluids. Further medication and treatment can be recommended by your doctor if required.

Can Stomach Flu be Prevented?

Yes, stomach flu can be prevented and following are the ways you can adopt, to prevent it.

• The primary way to prevent this illness is practicing hygiene, which includes frequent washing of hands, using clean utensils for cooking and eating.
• Additionally, drinking clean water and consuming hygienically prepared food can prevent you from getting stomach flu.
• Avoid foods or beverages you are unsure of.
• There is a licensed rotavirus vaccine available that protects you against severe diarrhea from rotavirus.

Although stomach flu is not a serious illness, it must not be taken lightly. If you or someone you know exhibits any of these symptoms, contact a medical practitioner immediately and remember to drink plenty of fluids.