catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

What can you do for a stomach virus

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

If you feel awful, you need to know what can you do for a stomach virus

If you feel awful, you need to know what can you do for a stomach virus

Gastroenteritis — also know as the stomach flu — is an irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can be caused by a variety of different factors.

This type of illness can be caused by bacteria or parasites in spoiled food and/or unclean water. Certain foods can cause gastroenteritis.

A multitude of different viruses can also cause the stomach flu, as we’ll delve into in the coming paragraphs.

Before you continue reading about the What can you do for a stomach virus there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

We’ve all been there, feeling under the weather, hoping for a simple and quick cure to our pain and suffering. So, what can you do for a stomach virus?

Below, we’ll look at viral gastroenteritis, its effects, and the best ways in which to beat the illness.

Viral Gastroenteritis

Symptoms may include:

  •     Weight loss
  •     Nausea/vomiting
  •     Fever/chills
  •     Loss of appetite
  •     Clammy skin/sweating
  •     Headache/muscle ache/joint aches
  •     Watery diarrhea
  •     Abdominal cramps and pain
These symptoms will normally last anywhere from one to ten days in duration.

Complications may include dehydration, which can be intense in both babies and young children. Dehydration can be a life-threatening occurrence. A doctor should be called in certain instances, as well — blood in stool, no urine for more than eight hours, sunken eyes, etc.

What Are the Root Causes?

In reality, influenza has nothing to do with gastroenteritis. We’ll forget about the word “flu” for a moment and focus on the potential variety of viruses involved. Each of the below mentioned has their own peak season. Here are two of the most common:

Rotavirus:

It is most commonly found during the months of December and June, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Infants and young children are the main groups who may be affected and, once sickened, may then spread the infection orally to other children and even adults. Rotavirus symptoms may include:

  •     Watery diarrhea
  •     Loss of appetite
  •     Vomiting
Norovirus:

Most outbreaks in the U.S. occur during November to April. Any age can be affected: nursing homes, schools, and daycare centers provide potential avenues to infection. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces and moves through contaminated food, infected individuals, and even tainted water.

The symptoms may include:

  •     Fever
  •     Body aches
  •     Nausea
  •     Diarrhea
Ways to Avoid These Illnesses Altogether

So, what can you do for a stomach virus? In order to help stave off the possibility of illness, take some simple precautionary measures. Be sure to wash your hands frequently. Look to avoid contaminated food and water products when in a new setting.

A rotavirus vaccine was approved for use back in 2006 and can (and should) be used in order to prevent severe illnesses in both infants and small children. Antibiotics don’t work but over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS) — like Pedialyte — can be kept in homes with small children in order to help replenish both fluids and electrolytes. The most important aspect is to prevent dehydration.

Here are a few more ideas, as well:

  •     Avoid fruit juices
  •     Use sports drinks to replenish fluids lost
  •     Eat small meals
  •     Rest
  •     Drink extra fluids between meals
Always check with your doctor before handing out medications to children. NEVER give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness; this may cause Reye’s Syndrome, which can be a potentially life-threatening condition.

While many cases cannot be fully stymied, it’s important to note that most people will make a full recovery from the illness in around two or three days. In addition, there shouldn’t be any lasting side effects for the individual.

Resources:

WebMD: Gastroenteritis.

Yahoo Health: Viral Gastroenteritis.

Above photo attributed to Bryan Gosline

 

Popular Savings Offers

 

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.