Stomach Flu: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment Options

Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis): Signs, Causes & Treatment Guide

Ever had that sudden, queasy feeling that turns your whole day upside down? That’s often the dreaded stomach flu at work. Medically known as viral gastroenteritis, it’s an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viruses like norovirus and rotavirus.

Surprisingly, this highly contagious illness affects millions each year in the U.S., with an estimated 19 to 21 million cases annually. While usually short-lived, it can be particularly tough for children and infants. Hence, we’ve created this comprehensive guide on gastrointestinal virus symptoms, treatment, and causes. Plus, some practical tips on how to cure stomach flu so you can ease your discomfort.

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis

You might shrug off sudden stomach discomfort, fatigue, or mild nausea as your body just needing a rest day. However, these are often tell-tale signs of the GI viral infection. Recognising the symptoms early can help you manage the illness effectively and prevent its spread. Here's what to watch out for:

Do note that gastrointestinal stomach flu is highly contagious. It can easily spread from person to person or through tainted food, unsafe water, or unclean surfaces. Taking simple precautions can help lower the risk, which we'll cover in more detail later.

Causes of gastrointestinal virus

Understanding the reasons for GI viral infection can help you take steps to prevent it and make it easier to protect yourself and your family. Here are the main reasons this common illness occurs:

Viruses

The primary reason for stomach flu is infection with viruses. Norovirus is the most common culprit in adults, while rotavirus often affects infants and young children. Other viruses can also cause viral gastroenteritis, including:

• •Adenovirus:
  More common in children, can cause diarrhoea and fever
• •Astrovirus:
  Usually affects infants and the elderly, causing mild gastroenteritis
• •Sapovirus:
  Similar to norovirus, often causing outbreaks in daycare or nursing homes

Other people or surfaces

Another major reason for catching this flu is exposure to contaminated people, food, or surfaces. The virus spreads easily through:

• Close contact with someone who is infected, such as shaking hands or being near someone who is vomiting or has diarrhoea.
• Consuming contaminated food or water, often due to poor hygiene during preparation or drinking untreated water.
• Touching surfaces where the virus can survive for days (doorknobs, countertops, toys) and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Bacterial or parasitic infections

While viruses are the main cause of gastroenteritis, some bacterial or parasitic infections can also trigger flu-like symptoms. Common culprits include bacteria such as Salmonella or E. coli, and parasites like Giardia, often spread through contaminated food or water.

Who is at higher risk?

Viral stomach infection can happen to anyone, but certain groups are more vulnerable. These include:

• •Children under 5 years old
  Young children are particularly susceptible to this type of flu. In developing countries, rotavirus alone causes an estimated 5,27,000 deaths annually among children under five.
• •Older adults (65+)
  Elderly individuals are at increased risk for severe outcomes from norovirus infection[f], including prolonged symptoms and complications.
• •People with weakened immune systems
  Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, are more likely to experience severe flu symptoms and complications.
• •Pregnant women
  Pregnant women may be at higher risk for complications from stomach flu, including dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

These groups are more vulnerable due to factors like underdeveloped or weakened immune systems and decreased ability to fight off infections.

Complications and risk factors

Being aware of potential complications and risk factors of stomach flu can help you manage the illness more effectively. Here are the key points:

Common complications

• •Dehydration:
  The most common complication, especially in infants, children, and older adults, due to vomiting and diarrhoea.
• •Electrolyte imbalances:
  Loss of essential salts can lead to weakness, dizziness, or more serious health issues like heart or muscle problems.

Risk factors

• •High-risk groups:
  Infants, older adults, and people with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease) are more vulnerable.
• •Close-contact environments:
  Daycare centres, nursing homes, and dormitories increase exposure risk due to shared spaces and frequent person-to-person contact.
• •Seasonal peaks:
  Colder months see higher rates of this virus. For instance, norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. typically peak in December and January.

Stomach flu treatment and remedies

Even though this virus often resolves on its own, there are ways to ease symptoms and support recovery. Some gastrointestinal virus remedies and treatments include:

• •Hydration
  Drinking plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths to replace lost fluids.
• •Rest
  Allowing the body to recover helps shorten the duration of symptoms.
• •Stomach-friendly foods
  Choosing light meals when thinking about what to eat[g]; options like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast can ease recovery for adults and baby stomach flu cases.
• •Over-the-counter stomach flu medicine
  Medications such as ondansetron can help control vomiting, particularly in severe cases. For infant stomach flu, these should only be used under medical supervision.
• •Avoiding certain foods
  Dairy, fatty, or highly processed foods can worsen symptoms.

All of these remedies can help, but the cure for digestive tract infection remains supportive care: hydration, rest, and stomach-friendly foods. If stomach flu symptoms persist beyond a few days, worsen, or include signs of severe dehydration, it’s important to see a doctor promptly.

Viral stomach infection in kids and infants

If you notice your child or a loved one experiencing flu symptoms, there are several steps you can take to support them and ease their discomfort:

• •Hydration
  Offer frequent small sips of water, oral rehydration solutions, or breast milk/formula for infants.
• •Rest
  Encourage plenty of sleep to help the body recover from the flu.
• •Stomach-friendly foods
  For older infants and children, provide bland foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast.
• •Monitor symptoms
  Keep track of vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and signs of dehydration.
• •Hygiene
  Wash hands frequently and disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of stomach flu gastroenteritis.

Prevention and recovery of viral gastroenteritis​

• •Disinfect surfaces
  Regularly clean countertops, doorknobs, and toys with a bleach-based solution.
• •Handle food safely
  Wash fruits and vegetables, and cook seafood thoroughly.
• •Avoid sharing personal items
  Refrain from sharing towels, utensils, or cups to prevent cross-contamination.
• •Stay home when ill
  Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus to others.

By adhering to these preventive measures, you can effectively manage stomach flu symptoms and promote a quicker recovery.

How to diagnose and manage viral stomach infection safely

Figuring out stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is usually straightforward - you spot the typical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, and cramps. Most people don’t need tests, but if symptoms persist, are severe, or dehydration sets in, a doctor may run lab tests to rule out other causes. Supportive care, hydration, rest, and gentle foods are usually enough. For children, the elderly, or anyone with weakened immunity, complications can arise, so it’s wise to get professional guidance.