gastric flu?

Question

does anyone know what gastric flu is and is it contageous[cant spell]?

Answer 1

It's sometimes called gastroenteritis. It is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by some poisons.

The symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, and weight loss.

and it's very contagious. I work at a nursing home and right now it's spreading through one of the wings and some of the staff. Soon to spread more I'm sure. Make sure you always wash your hands well.

Answer 2

There is such a thing. The problem is that eating something contaminated with bacteria (like e-coli or food left sitting out too long, etc.) can make you sick with the same symptoms.

Usually you just have to get through it, but you must be careful about staying hydrated. One can become dehydrated extremely quickly...within hours...especially babies and small kids, and the elderly too I'm sure. Believe me I learned that the hard way and one was in hospital with one of my kids admitted come home to check on my other, white as a sheet so take him to emergency...so I had on upstairs and one downstairs. Once they gave him a few bags of saline his colour picked up and he felt much better and was able to go home.

Oh the joys of being a mother during flu season especially.

Wash your hands often, make sure your counters and utensils are clean. Never use the same surface for raw meats and then other food, and do what I do, carry Purell around with me and use it every time I go out and before getting back into my car.

Usually I get by with one cold a year if I don't have my youngest coughing in my face when he's sick! :~)

Answer 3

Gastric flu – Gastroenteritis - means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhoea. It is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, Norwalk virus, and a group of Noroviruses. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli) or parasites (such as Giardia), or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar. Your doctor can determine if the diarrhoea is caused by a virus or by something else. People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely without any long-term problems. Gastroenteritis is a serious illness, however, for persons who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhoea. Infants, young children, and persons who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from loss of fluids. Immune compromised persons are at risk for dehydration because they may get a more serious illness, with greater vomiting or diarrhoea. They may need to be hospitalized for treatment to correct or prevent dehydration. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example, by sharing food, water, or eating utensils). Individuals may also become infected by eating or drinking contaminated foods or beverages. The most important way of treating viral gastroenteritis in children and adults is to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration). This treatment should begin at home. Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluid to give. CDC recommends that families with infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home at all times and use the solution when diarrhoea first occurs in the child. ORS is available at pharmacies without a prescription. Follow the written directions on the ORS package, and use clean or boiled water. Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician. There is no vaccine or medicine currently available that prevents viral gastroenteritis. A vaccine is being developed, however, that protects against severe diarrhoea from rotavirus infection in infants and young children.
I hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 4

no such thing