Stomach Virus

You’ve probably heard people talking about the stomach bug or stomach flu going around at work or your child’s school. But what exactly is it? The technical term for this sickness is viral gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Food poisoning is different. It’s more common than the stomach bug. About 1 in 6 Americans, or roughly 48 million people, experience food poisoning each year.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms

Symptoms of a stomach bug

If you have the stomach bug, or viral gastroenteritis, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • diarrhea
  • stomach cramps
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • a fever
  • weight loss
  • joint aches
  • muscle aches

Symptoms of food poisoning

Typical symptoms of food poisoning include:

  • stomach cramping
  • fatigue
  • diarrhea or constipation
  • a fever
  • chills
  • muscle aches
  • headaches
  • sweating
  • thirst
  • general malaise

In severe cases, you can have:

  • bloody stool or vomit
  • severe abdominal cramping
  • shock
  • a loss of consciousness

The symptoms of food poisoning usually appear two to six hours after initial exposure. Symptoms typically don’t last longer than two days. Food poisoning can occur in anyone, but it is most common in babies, young children, and the elderly.

Most forms of food poisoning aren’t lethal. One form called botulism can even be fatal if they’re not treated properly. A strain of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum causes botulism. It produces toxins that impact the nervous system. Botulism can cause blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, as well as other symptoms. See your doctor if you suspect you have botulism. Botulism is extremely rare in the United States.

If you are experiencing stomach virus call us today.

 

 

Source: https://www.healthline.com/

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