In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
How long can stomach flu last? How long do the symptoms associated with it last? Can the disease last for a long time? When does improvement occur? Do I need to see a doctor? The question is answered by the drug. Anna Mitschke.
How long does stomach flu last?
Hello. For the second day I am tired of stomach flu. Needless to say, the ailment is terribly unpleasant and I myself have exhausted myself completely. I have a high fever, which I try to overcome, but it doesn’t quite work out. In addition, I have terrible stomach problems, I feel sick and have diarrhea. It has been going on since yesterday morning, more precisely it started in the night from the day before yesterday to yesterday. Yesterday I spent the whole day at home because I was not able to move away from the toilet, I was tired of a high fever.
I was hoping it would be better today, but it’s the same again. I practically did not sleep through the night, and during the day it is not better either. Maybe my fever is slightly lower, but this is also related to the amount of medications taken. I wanted to ask how long does stomach flu last? Is it possible that tomorrow I will feel better or my illness may last longer? I haven’t been to the doctor, I tried to treat myself with medications available at the pharmacy, but I’m worried that if it goes on like this, I will have to see a specialist. Please help.
The doctor explains how long stomach flu can last
Colloquially known as “stomach flu”, “intestinal flu” is acute viral diarrhea. It is caused by viruses such as rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses, intestinal adenoviruses. Noroviruses are the most common cause of diarrhea in adults. Regardless of the virus causing them, acute viral diarrhea consists of passing loose, foul-smelling stools, often over 3 a day. Stools in viral diarrhea they are loose, abundant, usually without pathological impurities such as mucus or blood, unlike bacterial diarrhea.
Characteristic for viral etiology is the occurrence of vomiting, which is rarely present in bacterial diarrhea (except for poisoning). Symptoms such as fever, chills, weakness, abdominal pain and muscle aches are present. The disease goes away on its own. Acute viral diarrhea should last up to 10 days, usually symptoms disappear in patients on day 5-7. Acute viral diarrhea, if it occurs in people with normal immunity, rarely leads to serious complications. The disease is very common and highly contagious. In the temperate climate there is mainly in the fall and winter season, and all year round in tropical climates.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. Therefore, it is important to replenish fluids that will be well absorbed. It is a mistake to drink cola drinks or fruit juices, which contain a large amount of sugar, which is osmotically active and thus can aggravate the symptoms. You should drink water, bitter tea, lightly sweetened drinks and soup that does not contain much salt (salt can also aggravate diarrhea). There are also special formulations for irrigation in the pharmacy.
Proper nutrition is also very important. The meals should be valuable and provide the body with the energy it needs. It is a mistake to starve yourself during acute diarrhea. The inclusion of pharmacotherapy should always be consulted with a doctor first. We do not use antibiotics in acute viral diarrhea. The treatment includes probiotics, smectins, drugs that inhibit the production of intestinal juice by the intestines, drugs that inhibit gastrointestinal motility (not in children), antispasmodics and antipyretics. In the event of any disturbing symptoms (especially signs of intense dehydration, disturbance of consciousness), see a doctor.
— Lek. Anna Mitchke
The editorial board recommends:
- What is ozena and how to treat it?
- What does stomach ache mean?
- What causes dizziness when bending down?
For a long time you have not been able to find the cause of your ailments or are you still looking for it? Do you want to tell us your story or draw attention to a common health problem? Write to the address [email protected] #Together we can do more
The content of the medTvoiLokony website is intended to improve, not replace, the contact between the Website User and their doctor. The website is intended for informational and educational purposes only. Before following the specialist knowledge, in particular medical advice, contained on our Website, you must consult a doctor. The Administrator does not bear any consequences resulting from the use of information contained on the Website.