Tummy Flu Season

At certain times of year, there are inevitable waves of seasonal illnesses. Among these, the so-called ‘tummy flu’ can be a particularly nasty one to get.

Affecting both adults and children, tummy flu (or stomach flu or gastroenteritis to give it its correct name) is a viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines, causing gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.

You may also hear the phrase ‘tummy bug’, which isn’t always caused by a viral infection. The bug could be a bacteria or parasite, although the symptoms are similar, and it is unlikely you will be able to tell if the illness was caused by a virus or not.

By understanding a bit more about gastro stomach flu, its causes, symptoms and ways to reduce your chances of catching it, you can help to protect yourself and prevent it spreading to others.

Seasonal peaks

Tummy flu tends to spike at certain times of the year. A change in weather can cause an increase, as people head indoors more, meaning closer contact and easier spread of viruses.

Gastroenteritis is also more common in school and nursery settings, where children are in regular contact with one another, facilitating the transmission of viruses.

Causes of tummy flu

There are many different viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. The most common are:

Rotavirus: The most common cause of stomach flu in children, rotavirus tends to peak in winter and spring. Causing watery diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain, there is now a vaccine available to protect youngsters against rotavirus.

Norovirus: The most common cause of gastroenteritis in adults, norovirus is common in winter but can occur year-round. Also known as the ‘vomiting bug’, this highly contagious virus can be spread via contaminated surfaces, food or water or via contact with infected people. It causes a sudden onset of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps which last up to 3 days.

Astrovirus: Usually affecting younger children and the elderly, astrovirus causes mild diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting which lasts up to 4 days.

Adenovirus: Affecting people of all ages, adenovirus can occur year-round. Spread through respiratory droplets or via contaminated surfaces or food, adenoviruses usually cause respiratory infections but can cause gastro flu when ingested. Symptoms, which can last a couple of weeks, include diarrhea, fever and respiratory symptoms.

Preventing stomach flu

The viruses that cause gastroenteritis live in the feces and vomit of infected people. Microscopic traces of infected feces or vomit can then be transferred to their hands and onto surfaces or food and drink – which are then touched or ingested by another person, thus spreading the virus. This is called a ‘fecal to oral’ route of transmission.

Therefore, the best way of preventing the spread of stomach flu is by practicing good hygiene:

• Wash your hands
• Clean and disinfect any surfaces that an infected person may have come into contact with
• Don’t allow infected people to handle any food items.

Treating stomach flu

There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, and antibiotics won’t work as it is caused by a virus. Your body will rid itself of the virus and the symptoms are a sign that your immune system is doing its job.

There are things you can do to help alleviate the symptoms of tummy flu, including drinking plenty of water and getting lots of rest. Try to eat, but avoid things that might upset your stomach, such as foods high in fat, dairy products and caffeine.

For severe cases of gastro flu, a doctor may recommend intravenous fluids to ensure you stay hydrated.

Keep well this tummy flu season

Tummy flu is unpleasant, but by recognizing the symptoms, knowing the causes and understanding prevention and treatment strategies, you can protect your family.