Stomach Flu Causes and Prevention: Are you also getting stomach infections again and again? Know the symptoms, causes and correct prevention measures of stomach flu.

Often, after changing weather, eating outside food or coming in contact with contaminated water, people suffer from stomach ache, cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. In common parlance it is called stomach infection or ‘stomach flu’, whereas in medical language it is called viral gastroenteritis (Viral Gastroenteritis). It is completely different from influenza (respiratory flu) and mainly causes inflammation in the inner lining of the intestines and stomach. If a person is having this problem again and again, then ignoring it as just normal indigestion can be detrimental to health.

Main reasons for frequent stomach flu or stomach infection

Stomach flu is spread by infection with viruses, bacteria and some parasites. The main reasons for frequent infections are as follows:

• Contaminated Food & Water: Norovirus, Rotavirus or E-coli bacteria enter the intestines by consuming openly sold foods, unclean ice, unboiled water or raw and undercooked vegetables.

• Weak immunity and intestinal microbiome imbalance (Weak Gut Health): If the body’s immunity is weak or there is a lack of ‘good bacteria’ in the intestines, even a small viral load can immediately cause a serious infection in the stomach.

• Negligence in personal hygiene (Poor Hand Hygiene): Not washing hands properly with soap after defecation or before eating food and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth are the biggest sources of infection.

• Coming in contact with an infected person: The virus spreads rapidly by sharing utensils, towels or washroom with a stomach flu patient at home or workplace.

• Excessive use of antibiotics: Repeatedly taking unnecessary antibiotics destroys the protective bacteria in the intestines, making it easier for new infections to attack.

Main symptoms of stomach flu

• Watery diarrhea that starts suddenly

• frequent nausea and vomiting

• Severe cramping and cramping in the lower abdomen

• Mild or moderate fever and body ache

• Persistent dehydration, extreme weakness and dizziness

Necessary precautions for prevention and recovery

• Maintain Hydration: Do not let there be shortage of water and minerals in the body. Drink ORS solution, coconut water, lemon water and lentil water at regular intervals.

• Eat light and easily digestible diet: Eat things like moong dal khichdi, boiled potatoes, porridge, banana and toast. Avoid heavy, fried, highly spicy and dairy products for a few days.

• Cleaning of hands: Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating food and after coming from outside.

• When to contact the doctor: If there is blood in vomit or stool, high fever lasts for more than 3 days, or the color of urine becomes dark yellow and the quantity becomes very low, consult a gastroenterologist without delay.