The Difference Between Stomach Flu And The Other Flu - Part 2

Treatment for each of these conditions will vary depending upon the individual’s overall health and the underlying reason for the condition. In other words, in a normal healthy young male or female additional treatment for the flu may not be necessary. Individuals are able to recover from this illness by increasing the amount of fluids that they drink each day, getting plenty of rest and good nutrition. However, individuals who have asthma or cancer may find that they need supportive care that is hospital-based rather than home-based. Within the hospital, physicians and nurses will be able to administer intravenous fluids, oxygen and antibiotics for those who go on to develop pneumonia.

Gastroenteritis, sometimes called the stomach flu, may include a headache, fever and swollen lymph glands depending upon the particular germ that is causing the symptoms. However, the individual will also suffer from abdominal cramping, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Individuals can experience gastroenteritis from food poisoning, inflammatory bowel disease, allergic reactions, parasite infections or viruses and bacteria.

In severe cases, the individual will lose a significant amount of body fluid that can result in dehydration. Unfortunately, it does not take the loss of too much fluid in order to induce a medical situation that requires immediate attention of a physician. Signs of dehydration can include lightheadedness, increased thirst, dry sticky mucous membranes, lack of normal elasticity of the skin and decreased output of urine or tears. (4) Individuals who have gastroenteritis may find they are unable to keep water in their stomachs without vomiting or may find they are unable to keep up with their fluid needs because of severe diarrhea.

Resources:

(1) Cleveland Clinic: Gastroenteritis

http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/gastroenteritis/hic_gastroenteritis.aspx

(2) Center for Disease Control and Prevention: Viral Gastroenteritis

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/faq.htm

(3) KidsHealth.org: What is the Flu?

http://kidshealth.org/kid/h1n1_center/flu-basics/flu.html

(4) MayoClinic.com: Dehydration

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/ds00561/dsection=symptoms