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The stomach flu is not really a flu at all (we'll explain). This eMedTV article discusses stomach flu in detail, including information about its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
There are four main types of stomach flu viruses. This eMedTV article describes these four types of viruses responsible for stomach flu, which include rotavirus, adenovirus, caliciviruses, and astrovirus.
The cause of stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) may be any one of many different viruses. This eMedTV article discusses some of the viruses that commonly cause stomach flu, such as rotaviruses and noroviruses.
Stomach flu transmission may occur through ingesting contaminated food or water. This eMedTV article discusses other common ways in which stomach flu may be transmitted, such as by having direct contact with an infected person.
As this eMedTV Web page explains, the stomach flu incubation period can be anywhere from 4 hours to 2 days, depending on the virus causing it. This article discusses incubation periods for stomach flu caused by rotavirus and norovirus infections.
In cases of stomach flu, symptoms typically include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. This eMedTV segment discusses these and other signs and symptoms of stomach flu, such as fever, chills, and body aches.
A stomach flu diagnosis is made by conducting a physical exam and, in some cases, performing certain tests. This eMedTV article explains the steps involved in diagnosing stomach flu, which also may include reviewing the person's medical history.
For people with stomach flu, treatment consists of such things as keeping the body hydrated. This eMedTV article examines other treatment options that can help manage the symptoms of stomach flu while the body fights the infection.
In most cases of stomach flu, duration of the illness ranges from 1 to 10 days. This eMedTV resource explains how the type of virus responsible for the stomach flu (such as a rotavirus) may affect the duration of the illness.
There are no proven stomach flu cures other than time. However, this eMedTV article offers suggestions on ways to manage the symptoms of the illness (such as drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest) and links to more information about stomach flu.
In most cases, the stomach flu prognosis is that the patient will experience symptoms for 1 to 10 days. As this eMedTV article points out, however, the prognosis may be worse for certain people who are at an increased risk for dehydration.
In studying the stomach flu and who it affects, doctors have found that anyone can get stomach flu. This eMedTV article provides more information on stomach flu, including which viruses tend to affect children more frequently than adults.
In most cases, stomach flu prevention involves minimizing your exposure to stomach flu viruses. This eMedTV article provides suggestions for preventing or reducing exposure to viruses that can cause stomach flu.
When it comes to pregnancy and stomach flu, the symptoms are the same as with non-pregnant women. This eMedTV article discusses the importance of preventing severe dehydration in pregnant women with stomach flu, which may affect the baby.
When the illness affects an infant, stomach flu presents a special concern. As this eMedTV segment explains, infants with stomach flu are at a greater risk for dehydration. This article identifies symptoms to look for in infants with stomach flu.
Treatment of stomach flu in children often involves oral rehydration. This eMedTV article explains the risks for dehydration associated with the stomach flu and discusses how the illness is diagnosed and treated in children.
A "stomach virus" does not affect the stomach -- it affects the small intestine. This eMedTV article identifies the four types of viruses that may cause a stomach virus, describes the symptoms they cause, and explains how they are treated.
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