Stomach Flu Incubation Period

What most people are unaware of is the fact that the term 'stomach flu' is nowhere related to the viral infection known as 'flu' or 'influenza'. Clinically, it is known as viral gastroenteritis, as it is mostly caused by a group of viruses which include noroviruses (RNA virus; belonging to the family of caliciviruses), rotaviruses (double-stranded RNA virus), adenoviruses (non-enveloped, double-stranded linear DNA virus) and astroviruses (non-segmented, single-stranded RNA virus). Bacteria, parasites and biotoxins (toxins produced by organisms) also cause the illness in rare cases. Expecting mothers, infants, people who are undernourished, people with weak immune systems and older adults are the ones who are more vulnerable to developing stomach flu. In adults, stomach flu is mostly caused by the norovirus and in children and infants, rotavirus is the leading cause. What follows is an insight on the stomach flu incubation period and a look into how long an affected person may remain contagious?

Incubation Period of Stomach Flu

# The incubation period slightly depends upon the virus that has caused the infection. If the person has been infected by the norovirus, then the incubation period may last for 1 to 3 days. The affected person develops the risk of spreading the infection right from the time he feels ill. Even after having recovered from the stomach flu, the person may still be contagious for a period that can range from 2 to 3 weeks, which may even be longer in the case of small kids.

# If the infection is a result of the rotavirus, then incubation period could be of 1 to 2 days. What differentiates this infection from the previous one (caused by norovirus) is that the ill person becomes contagious even before the symptoms start showing up. Post-recovery, the patient may still be contagious for about 2 weeks or so and, in most cases children tend to be the same for a longer period.

# As cited above, other viruses such as the adenovirus are also responsible for causing the illness. In this case, the incubation period is typically 1 week.

# If astrovirus is the cause of it, then a period of 1 to 3 days can be attributed to be the incubation period for stomach flu.

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Main symptoms of stomach flu include watery diarrhea, and nausea. Vomiting may last for more than 48 hours and blood may be evident in the vomit or stool. The person typically suffers from stomach ache and abdominal pain, besides dehydration. There might also be a low-grade fever accompanied by headaches, chills and general tiredness.

Stomach Flu Treatment and Prevention

No specific treatment exists for eliminating the pathogens that cause stomach flu, an as obvious it is, antibiotics come of no use. What is recommended by doctor is to practice self-care measures to manage the symptoms; more particularly towards preventing dehydration. There will be routine treatments for diarrhea and vomiting. For young children and infants, oral rehydration solution (ORS) is recommended to be kept available if they are suffering from stomach flu.

Keeping your hands clean, especially after using the toilet, changing a baby's diaper and the like, can keep you from getting infected with stomach flu. Not to mention, get your hands thoroughly clean before meals. Refrain from coming in contact with people who are suspected to be suffering from this infection, and avoid sharing any items with them. You can also check with your local health department or child's pediatrician for information about any vaccination.

The symptoms of this disease may be annoying and irritating for adults, at the most. However, when it comes to kids, the situation may be a bit more concerning. So preventing is a better choice to make, instead of being anxious of the treatment and recovery. Keep well!