Also can be referred to as the gastric flu or stomach flu or the tummy bug.

Occurs following an inflammation or irritation to the gastrointestinal tract .

Can involve both the stomach and small intestines .

It may be called the flu of the stomach, but it doesn’t have anything to do with Influenza virus or the Human Flu.

The result often causes the most common symptom – diarrhea

Symptoms:

-     Nausea
-     Vomiting
-     Diarrhea
-     Stomach pain
-     Stomach cramping
-     Decreased of loss of appetite
-     Blood in stools
-     Fatigue
-     Young children may have loss of weight, racing heartbeat, skin color changes and shock symptoms

Causes:

1.)   Viruses
2.)   Toxins
3.)   Bacteria
4.)   Parasites
5.)   other causes

Virus are the most common cause

Types of viruses:

-     Norovirus  -  50% of cases
-     Rotavirus  -  20% of cases – often seen in children
-     Adenovirus
-     Astrovirus
-     other

Types of bacteria

-     Escherichia coli
-     Clostridium
-     Staphylococcus
-     Salmonella
-     Shigella
-     others

Risk factors:

-     Uncooked foods
-     Contaminated water
-     Other sick family members, friends, or people who you have contact with

Stool cultures may be required

Treatment:

Fluids

If breastfeeding – continue and don’t stop

If formula feeding – continue and also rehydrate as needed

BRAT diet + others
-  Bananas
-  Rice
-  Applesause
-  Toast
-  along with additional nutritional valued foods such as soups,
fluids, and other bland foods
-  Yougurt as well

Zinc for children for 2 weeks following episode.

Antibiotics when necessary
.           Fluoroquinolones
.          Metronidazole
.          Vancomycin

Loperamide for diarrhea
Bismuth Subsalicylate

Ondansetron for nausea

*** When severe or concerning – visiting with a medical provider may be essential and in
some cases a visit to the hospital may be appropriate.