When you start feeling stomach cramping, fevers, and body aches, there’s a chance that you’ve contracted the stomach flu. Whether it was from touching someone else or drinking contaminated water, the next few days might not be pleasant. Here are signs to know if you have a stomach bug and what to do.
What Is the Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, involves inflammation and irritation in the stomach and intestines. The most common signs of a stomach bug are constant vomiting and diarrhea. Gastroenteritis is also highly contagious, contracted through contact with someone who already has the bug, consuming contaminated food or water, or not washing hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper.
Additionally, the stomach flu can come from parasites. Infection is more dangerous for babies and older people, so make sure you stay hygienic and don’t spread it to others.
Difference Between the Stomach Bug and Food Poisoning
In the early stages of a stomach bug, many people confuse it with food poisoning. However, you can often figure out your illness by how quickly you become sick. When you contract food poisoning, the incubation period is often 6–24 hours after eating contaminated food, versus 24–72 hours after exposure for gastroenteritis.
Additionally, food poisoning may cause more severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, sweating, and eye swelling. The major difference between a stomach bug and food poisoning are the types of pathogens that cause them. While gastroenteritis causes over 23 million cases a year, food poisoning comes from viruses and bacteria, such as norovirus and salmonella, respectively.
Signs of Stomach Flu
Five signs to know if you have stomach flu include:
- Cramping and stomach pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Other symptoms include thirst, general malaise, and joint aches, making the victim feel significant discomfort. The most common treatment for gastroenteritis generally includes rest, lots of fluids, and a mild diet. If the symptoms get worse or don't abate in a few days, see a doctor; they can prescribe antibiotics to treat any bacterial or parasitic causes. If your symptoms haven’t gotten better after 10 days, see your doctor for treatment.
Contracting a stomach bug is never fun, so take time to recover and stay away from others. Drink plenty of liquids and get enough rest; you’re going to need it.
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