Do I Have Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)?

As far as you know, have you been drinking or eating contaminated food or water or have you been in contact with a person who has the stomach flu?

Is there are similar cases in your community?

Do you have watery diarrhea?

Do you have nausea, vomiting or both?

Do you have abdominal cramps or pain?

Do you have occasional muscle or joint aches, or headache?

Do you have low-grade fever (about 100 F or 37.77 C) and chills?

Do you have increased sweating?

Do you have clammy skin?

Do you have loss of appetite?

Do you have dry lips, thirst, dark-colored urine or dizziness?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have stomach flu. Stomach flu is a medical condition also known as viral gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is not the same as influenza (real flu). Influenza affects the respiratory system, while stomach flu affects the intestines. A number of viruses can cause stomach flu. You can get infected with the stomach flu virus if you eat or drink contaminated water or food, or through close contact with an infected person. Healthy people will recover from viral gastroenteritis without complications within a day or two. However, some people may have persistent symptoms that last for up to 10 days.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have stomach flu. Stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis is a contagious disease caused by a virus. The inflammation affects your stomach and intestines. There are a number of different viruses that can cause stomach flu, but the most common are norovirus and rotavirus. Stomach flu can affect people of any age, worldwide, but young children in child care centers or primary schools, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk. A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, a physical examination, and the fact that there are similar cases in your community.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have stomach flu. Stomach flu is an infection of your intestines, characterized by watery stools, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Stomach flu is an acute infection, which means that it occurs suddenly and lasts for a short period of time. In severe cases, stomach flu can lead to dehydration, which is a serious loss of water, essential salts and minerals. People with stomach flu need to have increased fluid intake to make up for lost fluid by vomiting or diarrhea. A doctor may prescribe intravenous fluids for symptoms of severe dehydration. Treatment includes self-care measures.