The Winter Stomach Flu
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009
by Carolyn Tytler
The winter stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is not caused by the influenza virus at all. This highly contagious disease, most common from November to April, is caused by one of several different viruses. It is the second most common infection in North America, preceded only by the common cold.
The infection spreads quickly through schools, day-care centres, nursing homes, even cruise ships. The Norfolk virus was an illness of this type. Patients remain infectious for up to two weeks after the symptoms subside, so precautions need to be continued for several weeks after the last patient feels well.
The viruses are spread through close contact with infected persons. Without frequent and thorough washing, bits of contaminated fecal matter or vomit from the patient's skin or clothing may come into contact with food, drinks, utensils, toys, telephones, anything in his immediate environment.
SYMPTOMS
From four to forty-eight hours after exposure to the virus, the infected individual develops headache, fever, chills, and abdominal pain. Vomiting and watery diarrhea are the main complaints. Symptoms last for one or two days, but may persist for up to ten.
TREATMENT
* Stay in bed. Take no medication. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and over-the-counter remedies may only make the patient feel worse in the early stages of the disease.
* Let the gastrointestinal tract rest by not eating for a few hours.
* Then, encourage the patient to drink small amounts of clear liquids such as tea, ginger ale, or suck Popsicles or ice chips.
* Most people get better without treatment.
* The greatest concern is dehydration. All fluids lost through sweating, vomiting and diarrhea must be replaced. This may pose a problem for infants, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, patients will be hospitalized and hydrated with intravenous fluids.
* Infants and children may be given Pedialyte to replace lost fluids, minerals and salts.
* Severe dehydration that is not treated can be life-threatening.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
* Dry mouth, excessive thirst, and noticeable lack of tears.
* Little or no urine. If any is produced it will be a dark yellow color.
* Extreme weakness and lethargy.
* Dizziness, or lightheadedness
If any of these symptoms are apparent, call a doctor.
PREVENTION
* Wash hands thoroughly for twenty seconds, after using the washroom, changing a diaper and before eating.
* Disinfect any surfaces that may be contaminated: tables, counter tops, phones, toys, desks, anything an infected person may have touched.
* Watch what you eat and drink. Contaminated food is a common source of
infection.
During the winter season, when people are indoors in close proximity, some may be either coming down with the flu or just recovering from it. In either case, they are likely very contagious.
The best prevention, as we are so often reminded, is to wash the hands thoroughly and often. This practice will not only help prevent winter flu, but the common cold as well, which is even more prevalent during these cold, dark days.
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