Intestinal Flu
What Is Intestinal Flu and What It Means For You
Intestinal flu is just another term for stomach flu, neither of which are caused by the actual influenza virus. Though the influenza virus can cause both upper and lower body illness, including vomiting and diarrhea, intestinal flu is most likely caused by a bacterial infection or by high sensitivity to certain foods. Food poisoning or any bacterial illness caused by tainted food are considered as contributors to the stomach flu, but severe lactose intolerance can also be to blame. When the infection begins, there are quite a few symptoms which may take hold before the stomach or intestines begin to contract, and being prepared by knowing what to look for may help you to fend it off a bit better.
Most types of intestinal flu can be treated with the use of antibiotics, whereas the influenza virus has no cure. Whether or not your nausea is stable enough to actual absorb oral medications is another story however, and most find that there is no relief aside from riding it out. Room temperature water must be sipped during your waking hours, even if it comes back up. The body will absorb at least some of it before the stomach brings it back up. Eventually, as the fluids do their valuable work, you will find that the water stays down for a longer period of time. Allowing your body to become completely dehydrated will mean a much more severe condition, and hospitalization may be your only option. Intravenous fluids will be administered, and possibly an antibiotic course as well.
The most common symptoms of intestinal flu include acute headaches, which usually show up within 24 hours before the onset of the actual illness. The body may begin to feel and fatigued, and stomach pangs accompanied by queasiness are almost present. Some spike a fever before they begin feeling the inner workings of the intestinal flu, and this will bring about deep muscle aches and pains. It is important to start drinking water as soon as possible if you notice that you may be feeling a little bit off. This could save you some of the more intense vomiting and diarrhea bouts.
It is important to contact your physician each time you fall ill, and the sooner the better in the case of intestinal flu or other digestive tract illnesses. Some food borne bacteria illnesses can mock the intestinal flu, only to take a violent turn shortly after the onset of sickness. It is always better to be safe than sorry, and you may save yourself quite a bit of stomach ache in the long run. Remember to sleep as much as possible, or at least to remain in a resting position as much as possible. If laying flat triggers your vomiting reflex, you can prop yourself up with pillows and try to rest in an inclined position.