Doctor Recommended Tips You Must Follow For Stomach Flu In Winter

Wintertime brings with it an increased risk of contracting the stomach flu because of the close quarters and increased indoor activities that allow the virus to spread. Although unrelated to the influenza virus, this illness can affect people of all ages and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Throughout the winter, it is especially important to maintain good hygiene and wash your hands frequently to stop the spread of the stomach virus.

In order to counteract fluid loss from symptoms, it's also essential to stay hydrated. In order to reduce the chance of spreading, those who are ill should stay still, eat meals that are easily digested, and keep their distance from other people.

Dr. Naveen Polavarapu, Senior Consultant Gastroenterologist, Liver Specialist, and Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopist and Endosonologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, exclusively told Jagran English about the stomach flu in winter.

Also Read: How People With Chronic Sinus And Tonsils Can Manage Their Health In Winter? Doctor Explains

What Is Viral Gastroenteritis?

According to Dr. Naveen, "viral gastroenteritis is an infection that can cause diarrhea and vomiting. It happens when a person's stomach and intestines get infected with a virus. One of the most common causes of gastroenteritis is norovirus. But other viruses can cause it, too."

People can get viral gastroenteritis if they:

1. Touch an infected person or a surface with the virus on it, and then don't wash their hands.
2. Eat foods or drink liquids with the virus in them. If people with the virus don't wash their hands, they can spread it to food or liquids they touch.

What Are The Symptoms Of Viral Gastroenteritis?

The infection causes diarrhea and vomiting. People can have either diarrhea, vomiting, or both. These symptoms usually start suddenly and can be severe.

Viral gastroenteritis can also cause:

1. Fever
2. Headache or muscle aches
3. belly pain or cramping
4. Loss of appetite

When there is a lot of diarrhea and vomiting, your body can lose too much water. This is known as "dehydration." Dehydration can make you feel thirsty, tired, dizzy, or even confused. It can also make your urine look dark yellow.
Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Older people are more likely to get severe dehydration.

Do I Need To Do The Tests?

Tests to check for dehydration or to see which virus is causing the infection. These tests can include:

1. Blood tests
2. Urine tests
3. Tests on a sample of bowel movement

How Is Viral Gastroenteritis Treated?

1. Most people do not need any treatment because their symptoms will get better on their own.
2. Replace the body's fluids that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
3. Drink fluids when possible. It might help to take small sips every 15 to 30 minutes. Try to drink as much as possible.
4. When there is a lot of vomiting or diarrhea, your body loses both water and salt. Drinking fluids that contain some salt can help replace what the body has lost. Examples include "oral rehydration solutions," sports drinks, and broth.

But people with severe dehydration might need treatment in the hospital. This involves getting fluids through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV." Doctors do not treat viral gastroenteritis with antibiotics. That's because antibiotics treat infections that are caused by bacteria, not viruses.

Also Read: 5 Ways To Improve Your Mood Swings During Pregnancy

Can Viral Gastroenteritis Be Prevented?

Sometimes. To lower the chance of getting or spreading the infection, wash your hands well with soap and water.

1. After you use the bathroom
2. Before you eat
3. Before you prepare food