Differentiating stomach viruses from flu: A breakdown of their differences.
Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is a common infection that affects the intestines and stomach, typically caused by viruses such as norovirus. On the other hand, influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, caused by influenza viruses A and B.
Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is the primary cause of stomach flu. It spreads via contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected individuals. Symptoms of norovirus include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, headache, and body aches. These symptoms typically begin 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last 1 to 3 days. There is no specific treatment for norovirus; management focuses on hydration to prevent dehydration.
Influenza, on the other hand, is spread through tiny, infected droplets that are expelled when someone sneezes, coughs, or talks closely with another person. Symptoms of influenza include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and in children, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, a doctor might prescribe antiviral medications to help reduce symptom severity if given early.
When it comes to stomach flu, people may recover without medical treatment, and home remedies include replacing lost fluids and electrolytes with water, fruit juice, sports drinks, broth, saltine crackers, or oral rehydration solutions. However, people with blood in their stools or fever from stomach flu may have a bacterial infection or parasites that require treatment from a doctor, such as antibiotics. High-risk individuals should take antiviral treatment within 2 days of flu symptoms first appearing.
In the case of the flu, staying at home and resting, drinking plenty of water, avoiding close contact with others, and washing hands regularly can help people recover. In more severe cases of flu, a doctor might prescribe antiviral medications. People with influenza should contact a doctor for symptoms such as difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, persistent chest or abdominal pain, dizziness, confusion, difficulty waking, seizures, severe muscle pain or weakness, worsening cough or fever.
In summary, norovirus is a gastrointestinal virus causing stomach flu symptoms, spread mainly fecal-orally and treated by supportive hydration. Influenza viruses cause respiratory illness with systemic symptoms and may be treated with antivirals and supportive care. People with stomach flu should contact their doctor if they have diarrhea that lasts longer than 2 days, a high fever, frequent vomiting, severe pain in the rectum or abdomen, black or tarry stools, blood or pus in stools, signs of dehydration, or other concerning symptoms.
- HIV, a viral infection, attacks the immune system, increasing the risk of other medical-conditions like tuberculosis and certain types of cancer.
- Depression, a mental health issue, is often linked with HIV, affecting about one-third of people living with the virus.
- NSCLC, or non-small cell lung cancer, is often diagnosed via CT scans and biopsies, requiring extensive medical-treatments.
- Digestive issues, such as sore throat and diarrhea, can be caused by various factors, including bacterial infections and food allergies.
- Ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease, may cause symptoms like fatigue, frequent diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Colitis, an inflammation of the colon, can be uncomfortable, but itchy skin rashes are not typically associated with this condition.
- In health-and-wellness discussions, maintaining hydration is crucial, considering digestive symptoms like diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
- A Predictive model in science can help healthcare professionals anticipate patient outcomes and tailor treatment plans accordingly.
- Fitness-and-exercise routines play a vital role in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease, in addition to improving overall health.
