1 Stomach flu 2014: Stomach flu makes us step out of line.

Every year the hospitals are visited urgently by thousand patients with gastroenteritis (known as stomach flu) diagnoses. Reasons for the disorder vary, but the result is one – total isolation from normal life for at least ten days.

Gastroenteritis (in Greek “gaster” – stomach and “enteron” - large intestine) better known as “stomach flu”, although it is not related to the typical virus flu. It is an inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. In more than half of the cases stomach flu is caused by Norovirus or food poisoning. Pathogenic bacteria like salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, staphylococci get within the body due to consumption of improperly prepared foods. The intoxication result in disrupting the synthesis of digestive enzymes, worsen digestion and metabolic processes.

The first symptoms of the stomach flu occur at the same maximum on the second day of the contamination. The progression of the disease depends upon the viruses or bacteria that have caused it.

Symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis are

• high body temperature;
• headache;
• muscle pain;
• spasmodic abdominal pain and diarrhea;
• frequent vomiting.

The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are

• strong rheum;
• cough;
• sore throat;
• high body temperature;
• headache;
• vomiting;
• dry mouth.

Self-healing is absolutely forbidden!

The most dangerous consequence of the Stomach flu is dehydration. Because of frequent vomiting and diarrhea, body water is lost fast and important minerals with it. This could lead to low blood pressure, seizures and if not medically assisted promptly, could lead to kidney failure. Therefore in the presence of these stomach flu symptoms it is important not to lose precious time and go to see a medic. Self-healing is absolutely forbidden! Frequent water consummation will only quench the thirst, but will not restore the salt water balance in the organism. That is why patients with stomach flu get treated in the infection department. After the results of the made researches, which determine the causative agent for the disease, the required treatment is appointed.

Dehydration symptoms

• dryness in the mouth;
• abnormal urination;
• weakness;
• drowsiness;
• soreness;

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Stomach flu Treatment

Treatment of stomach flu begins with a gastric lavage with a special solution. Lots of water must be consummated after this procedure. In case of strong general intoxication, rehydration therapy is conducted to restore the salt water balance in the organism. In case of viral gastroenteritis, antiviral drugs are prescribed. After that patients take medications for restoration of the intestinal flora. The solution for a fast recovery is rest in the bed and a strong diet. The menu must contain non fat broths, oatmeal with water, biscuits and unsweetened tee. If these recommendations of the doctors are fallowed strictly and after the ten days procedures of the gastrointestinal tract, the patient can fully recover and don’t worry for any adverse consequences in the future. Exception make patients with low levels if antibodies, where the infection can repeat itself or transform into a chronic form with repetitive cycles of exacerbation and remission.

Children, after going through the viral gastroenteritis, develop a comparative immunity for the disease, which protects them from another contamination.

Self-help

Stomach flu is one of the diseases, which can be easily prevented. For a specific prophylactic of the rotavirus infections, there are two vaccines, which have passed clinical tests. Both contain weakened live viruses and are taken by mouth. To avoid infection, follow these basic hygiene rules:

• Wash your hands before feeding.
• Look carefully for the expiry date of the foods and check the temperature and the conditions they have been kept in.
• Drink only filtrated or bottled water, stop all ice drinks.
• Prepare the products on a clean cutting board.
• Thoroughly wash vegetables, fruits and greens.
• Do not consume raw eggs.

A reason for the development of stomach flu could become the rotaviruses. They are very contagious. In 90% of cases, the contamination is transmitted by dirty hands. There is very low chance that the disease can be transmitted by air.