Is Diarrhea A Symptom Of Flu

Is Food Poisoning Contagious

Individuals experiencing food poisoning can be contagious through fecal matter or saliva for up to 48 hours. To reduce transmission to others, follow the same suggestions as gastroenteritis: close the toilet lid before flushing, clean the bathroom and toilet frequently and wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, says Barajas.

Can A Cold Cause Diarrhea In Toddlers And Babies

According to a 2016 research review , rotavirus infections are the most common viral causes of diarrhea and vomiting in children. The rotavirus doesnt fall into the category of viruses considered cold viruses. In children and adults, a rotavirus infection is often referred to as the stomach flu.

The adenovirus and rhinovirus are two types of cold viruses that can potentially cause diarrhea in children.

The same research review above showed that adenoviruses are responsible for about 1.5 to 5.4 percent of diarrhea cases in children under 2 years old.

In a 2016 study, researchers examined the symptoms of respiratory infections in a group of 993 children under 2 years old. The researchers found that in 9.6 percent of cases, vomiting or diarrhea were the symptoms of children that developed the rhinovirus infection.

Diarrhea cant directly cause a cold, but it may weaken your immune system and make you more prone to infection.

According to a 2017 research review, its estimated that about of all the lymphocytes in your body are in your digestive tract. Lymphocytes are specialized white blood cells that help you fight infections.

A 2016 research review showed that your digestive system also hosts more than 1,000 types of bacteria. Many of these bacteria play an important role in your bodys immune system.

Having diarrhea may potentially disrupt levels of bacteria in your gut and put you at risk of developing infections.

Diarrhea can be caused by the following infection types:

Impact On Infants And Young Children

In very young infants less than 6 months old the CDC said irritability, decreased activity, a decreased appetite and apnea, or pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds, are common symptoms, but a fever does not always present itself.

RSV can lead to serious illness in infants, such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, the CDC said, and one to two out of every 100 children younger than 6 months of age with RSV infection may need to be hospitalized.

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Thankfully You Should Feel Better Pretty Fast

People usually develop norovirus symptoms between 12 to 48 hours after theyre exposed to it. From there, the illness usually lasts between one to three days. It can make you really miserably sick, Dr. Schaffner says. You just feel miserable. Still, most people recover just fine, he adds.

Unfortunately, you just have to ride this one out. Theres no specific treatment for norovirus, but Dr. Adalja says you can try to feel a bit better at home by taking something like Pepto-Bismol and other anti-nausea meds. Of course, trying to stay hydratedeven though eating and drinking will feel toughis important. Having soups and beverages you like on hand can help.

Dehydration is a risk because vomiting and diarrhea speed up fluid loss, which can be especially concerning in very young children, older adults, and people who are immunocompromised.

So if you get really, really sickmeaning you cant keep anything in or down youre in severe pain, youve had diarrhea for more than three days, or you see blood in your poop or vomit, Dr. Schaffner says its time to get urgent medical care, especially if you have an underlying health condition, like diabetes. If youre dealing with symptoms of dehydration, its possible you may need to receive IV fluids to avoid potential complications, the CDC notes.

Stomach Flu Prevention And Medicines For Kids

Children are more at risk of severe dehydration from gastroenteritis illnesses, such as rotavirus. A good way to prevent severe rotavirus illness is ensuring that your kid is routinely vaccinated.

The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. Here are some tips2:

• Choose an oral rehydration solutionthis helps replenish electrolytes
• Start with small sips and gradually increase, so they dont vomit it up
• Once your child has stopped vomiting, offer a bland diet
• Consult a healthcare professional if your childs symptoms are not improving after 24 hours or if youre concerned

Wash your hands frequently and clean surfaces with a disinfectant to avoid viruses and diseases in general. Norovirus and rotavirus particles can remain on surfaces for many days if left without proper cleaning and disinfection.

While there are no medications to treat gastroenteritis, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs such as IMODIUM® Anti-Diarrheal Oral Solution For Children Ages 6 and Up are very useful to treat diarrhea symptoms. IMODIUM® allows your body to absorb fluids and salts again to restore the consistency of stools. For children 2-5 years , please make sure to ask a doctor before use, and, for children under 2 years , do not use.

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How To Prevent A Cold Or The Flu

The CDC outlines a number of steps to stave off a cold:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water arent available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands
• Keep your distance from people who are sick

While the advice above also applies to the flu, the best prevention is vaccination, says the CDC, which recommends that every person age 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine by the end of October.

If you have the flu and need to leave your home or be out in public, a mask can reduce the spread of infection, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Additional reporting by Pamela Kaufman.

What Kinds Of Viruses Cause Viral Gastroenteritis

Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common causes of viral gastroenteritis include

• norovirus. Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days.2
• rotavirus. Symptoms usually begin about 2 days after you come into contact with the virus and last for 3 to 8 days.3Vaccines can prevent rotavirus infection.
• adenovirus. Symptoms typically begin 3 to 10 days after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 2 weeks.4
• astrovirus. Symptoms typically begin 4 to 5 days after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 4 days.5,6

Norovirus causes infections in people of all ages. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus most often infect infants and young children, but they can also infect adults.

Viruses may cause viral gastroenteritis any time of the year. In the United States, norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus are more likely to cause infections in the winter.

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Flu Symptoms & Diagnosis

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. This page provides resources about flu symptoms, complications, and diagnosis.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. This page provides resources about flu symptoms, complications, and diagnosis.

Is it Flu or COVID-19?

Some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, making it hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. Diagnostic testing can help determine if you are sick with flu or COVID-19.

Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

• Fever*/feeling feverish or chills
• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*Its important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

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How Can Stomach Flu Be Prevented

Since stomach flu can be caused by multiple factors, getting the flu vaccination alone isnt enough to protect you from gastroenteritis. Children should follow the standard vaccination schedule and get the rotavirus vaccination when indicated. This vaccination can protect your child from getting sick from the rotovirus but not all children can receive this oral vaccination, so please check with your pediatrician before doing so.

You can take other steps to reduce your risk of getting stomach flu:

Practice good handwashing

When youre sick, the virus spreads from anything that comes in contact with virus-infected feces. Good handwashing is vital in stopping the spread. Viruses left on hands can easily spread to surfaces, food and people you touch. Its important to wash your hands well after you go to the bathroom, change a diaper, touch any bathroom surfaces and before you handle food.

Be careful with food

You can catch stomach flu from contaminated food or water, or pass it on to someone else. To keep viruses out of your food:

Clean sick areas

Clean anything that you may have touched while you were sick with stomach flu. Wash laundry with hot water and dry with high heat. Be sure to use a disinfectant to clean areas where a sick person vomited or had diarrhea.

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When You Should Call Info

• if your child is under the age of 2 years, regardless of the symptoms
• if your child is older than 2 years and has one of the following symptoms:
• persistent or worsening abdominal pain
• fever lasting for more than 48 hours
• frequent vomiting for 4 to 6 hours despite having followed the advice given on the page Hydrating and rehydrating when you have gastroenteritis .
• frequent and abundant diarrhea lasting for more than 7 days
• frequent diarrhea if the child is under 6 months
• your childs general health is worrying you and you notice that their general health is getting worse

Rsv Vs Flu Vs Covid: What Symptoms To Look Out For

With colds, flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus floating around this winter, it can be hard to know which symptoms mean which illness.

It is a very common respiratory virus that affects upper and lower airways, said Dr. Anila Chadha with Dignity Health Medical GroupBakersfield. Usually it gives common cold-like symptoms.

Chadha said RSV symptoms usually overlap with those of the common cold, flu and Covid. The most common symptoms of RSV are coughing, sneezing, fevers, runny nose and wheezing that can last anywhere from two to eight days, Chadha said.

Chadha said the flu is unique with high fevers and body aches, and Covid symptoms often include headaches and abdominal complaints like diarrhea.

RSV is unique in premature or young children that we see a lot of wheezing, Chadha said. If there is any shortness of breath or the child or baby is not eating as well, looks lethargic, not playful, your healthcare provider should be contacted for further recommendations.

Chadha said most people are exposed to RSV by age 2, so healthy adults with strong immune systems should be safe. But there are some groups that are more vulnerable.

Chadha said RSV has the potential to cause severe illness in infants and children, especially babies born premature, with congenital heart or lung problems for those under any medical treatment that can weaken their immune systems.

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How Is The Flu Treated In A Child

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. The goal of treatment is to help prevent or ease symptoms.

Treatment may include medicines such as:

• Acetaminophen. This is to help lessen body aches and fever. Dont give aspirin to a child with a fever.

• Cough medicine. This may be prescribed by your childs healthcare provider.

• Antiviral medicine. This may help to ease symptoms, and shorten the length of illness. This medicine does not cure the flu. The medicine must be started within 2 days after symptoms begin.

Antibiotics arent effective against viral infections, so they are not prescribed. Instead, treatment focuses on helping ease your childs symptoms until the illness passes.

Talk with your healthcare providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Also make sure your child:

• Gets lots of rest in bed

• Drinks plenty of fluids

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Stomach Flu & Diarrhea: Causes Symptoms And Treatments

The unpleasant illness that we generally call the stomach flu is an intestinal infection called gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is a common condition where the stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed by viral or bacterial toxins. However, it is not caused by the influenza virus, which affects your respiratory system.

It is estimated that 179 million incidents of acute gastroenteritis occur annually in the United States, which can result in diarrhea1. Fortunately, healthy people are likely to recover without complications. When a person is infected, their everyday life is interrupted due to the unpleasant symptoms.

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How Are The Gastrointestinal Issues Treated

While there is no cure for viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning, you can treat your symptoms. Antidiarrheals, for example, can help alleviate temporary or recurrent liquid bowel movements. Medications like Pepto Bismol can ease nausea, bloating, and generalized discomfort. However, the best way to manage your symptoms is to employ general self-care strategies.

“If you experience any symptoms make sure you get plenty of fluids,” Oz says. “Adults can drink fluids, such as sports drinks with electrolytes, and children can also drink fluid replacement solutions, such as Pedialyte. These drinks coupled with water will help restore the bodys hydration balance. For best results, drink a few sips every half hour to an hour.

Once you feel ready to again, give your stomach a break by slowly introducing bland foods, such as cereal, bread, and potatoes. Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods that might upset your stomach.” Rest is also very important.

I’m A Doctor And These Are The Symptoms Of The Flu Including Aches And Chills

Flu season is here and many states are already reporting a spike in cases, just as experts anticipated. Health officials are bracing for a nationwide surge and hospitals are feeling the stress. According to ABC 7, California is one of the 10 states experiencing high cases and reports, “In Los Angeles County, flu rates have reached 25% a level not seen at this time of year in the past four years, many of them are children.”

“We are seeing a tremendous number of children with Influenza A,” Dr. Anthony Cardillo, an emergency room specialist and CEO of Mend Urgent Care, said in an interview with ABC7. “That’s because they’re back in school, they’re in athletics, they’re doing different things, a lot of transmission is happening. “The only difference this year is this flu virus is very, very strong. It’s had time to mutate. And that’s what we’re seeing now.”

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Norovirus Tends To Spread Like Wildfire

This bug is very contagious and usually spreads via tiny poop or vomit particles. According to the CDC, this can happen in a few ways:

• You eat food or drink liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• You touch surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus particles and then put your fingers in your mouth.
• You have direct contact with someone who is infected with norovirus.

People who are infected can shed billions of norovirus particles, the CDC notes, and it only takes a few of these particles to make someone sick. Because of this, norovirus is very difficult to avoid in almost any situation in which its spreading, infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, tells SELF.

Keep in mind, too, that norovirus cases are only expected to go up from here. Kids are back in school, which always boosts the risks of germs spreading, Richard Watkins, MD, an infectious disease physician and professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University, tells SELF.

People in general are interacting more these days too. For a couple of years, weve all been in semilockdown, William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease specialist and professor of medicine at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, tells SELF. This gives viruses the opportunities to spread, and norovirus is trying to get back to near-normal levels. Norovirus always has some winter seasonality to it, Dr. Adalja adds.

How Long Does Stomach Flu Last

The stomach flu usually lasts less than a week. Be sure to stay home if you have symptoms, and continue to practice good handwashing afterward. The virus can still be in your stool for up to two weeks after youve stopped having symptoms, so be extra careful with your bathroom habits. Always wash your hands after having a bowel movement, and wash any soiled fabrics in hot soapy water.

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I Think I Have Influenza Should I See A Doctor

Anyone at a higher risk of serious illness with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.

Most people who are generally healthy wont need to see their doctor for the flu. As symptoms of the flu are similar to COVID-19, talk to your doctor about testing for COVID-19 infection.

If you have the flu, try to rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration. Your immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.

If you do need to see a GP for your symptoms, make sure you call ahead first so they can make sure theres no one in an at-risk group around when you have your appointment.