Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis or a stomach bug, is not caused by the influenza virus, despite what the name suggests. Gastroenteritis is a catch-all term for inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract caused by several viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus. A stomach bug can infect anyone at any age and is debilitating enough to warrant a few days off work or school. In most cases, viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious, so it is always a good idea to talk to one of Prime Medic’s online doctors for a medical certificate. This will allow you to take time off work or school without fear of negative repercussions.
A highly contagious disease, stomach bugs are spread through contact with an infected person, surface or object. It is an infection that causes inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal system. Stomach bugs can be caused by a number of viruses, although norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes. Gastroenteritis is extremely common in children, partly because daycare centres and schools offer the perfect conditions for spreading the disease and partly because young children are not always careful about their hygiene habits.
Stomach bugs, although a temporary condition, can leave a person feeling weak, fatigued and dehydrated. Here are some of the most common symptoms of stomach flu:
Because the symptoms of stomach bugs are very similar to those of food poisoning, the two are often confused together. In either case, as soon as you start showing symptoms, it is best to get a doctor's certificate and stay home until your symptoms disappear. You may not even be able to get much work done when you’re getting up every few minutes to run to the bathroom!
Typically, you may start showing symptoms within 1 to 3 days of being infected. Mild symptoms may last up to 14 days, but in most cases, they disappear within a day or two. You may be contagious for as long as two weeks after infection, depending on the virus causing your infection. It is advisable to stay at home for at least 48 hours after your last vomit or diarrhea, especially for children heading to school or daycare.
The best way to prevent getting infected by a stomach bug is to pay attention to the following:
If you or a loved one is suffering from viral gastroenteritis, the best thing you can do is to increase the intake of fluids to prevent dehydration and get plenty of rest. In most cases, home treatment is adequate for treating stomach flu. Here are some other steps to take to help settle your stomach:
If your infant under 6 months contracts gastroenteritis, it is important to get in touch with a doctor for further assessment immediately. Dehydration in newborns can be dangerous, so you should always look for signs of dehydration in sick infants and children. These include:
Book a same-day appointment with one of our AHPRA registered doctors immediately if your baby shows any of the above signs, as well as frequent vomiting, bloody stools or severe diarrhea, or if your baby or child is unusually sleepy or drowsy.
For adults, it is imperative to get in touch with a doctor if:
Additionally, most workplaces require you to submit a doctor’s certificate if you take more than 2 days off work, which Prime Medic’s online doctors can also help with.