Intestinal flu is a viral infection affecting the GI tract. The condition involves irritation and inflammation of the digestive tract and not actually a type of flu.
The characteristic symptoms of intestinal flu include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The digestive symptoms involved with intestinal flu can also arise from a variety of conditions such as alcohol intoxication, food poisoning and irritable bowel syndrome.
What are the indications?
The indications of intestinal flu can range from mild to severe and tends to vary depending on the underlying viral infection responsible. The symptoms typically settle within 24-48 hours but can last for up to 10 days.
The common symptoms of intestinal flu include the following:
- Abdominal bloating, gas or belching
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Watery diarrhea
The indications of intestinal flu can range from mild to severe and tends to vary depending on the underlying viral infection responsible. - Flu-like symptoms
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
What are the causes?
It is important to note that intestinal flu is caused by a viral infection. Remember that these infections can spread via contact with infected individuals or ingesting food or water contaminated by the virus.
Common forms of viruses that can cause intestinal flu include the following:
- Adenovirus
- Norovirus
- Rotavirus
Risk factors
Various factors that heighten the risk for developing intestinal flu include the following:
- Close exposure to an individual infected by viral gastroenteritis
- Exposed to pet feces, reptile and foods that have been contaminated by the virus
- Being in crowded environments such as cruise ships or dormitories
- Weak immune system brought about by conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer or kidney disease
Management
It is vital to restore proper hydration to the body if an individual has intestinal flu. The treatment generally includes rest and reducing the discomfort caused by vomiting, nausea and diarrhea such as the following:
- Avoid any solid foods to allow the stomach and intestines to rest until the symptoms have settled.
- Drink more fluids to ensure proper hydration of the body
- Hospitalization and rehydration using intravenous fluids is required if the condition does not settle or result to dehydration.