Intestinal flu, also called the stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis, has nothing to do with the seasonal flu virus. It's an intestinal infection caused by a virus often ingested through contaminated food or drink, or through contact with infected bodily fluids. Intestinal flu doesn't require medical treatment in most cases, but moderate to severe illness can be deadly in certain individuals such as infants, elderly people or those with a weakened immune system. Symptoms include watery diarrhea and vomiting, and other related effects of illness.
Diarrhea and Vomiting
The most prominent signs of intestinal flu are diarrhea and vomiting. Stools are often watery and not bloody, the Mayo Clinic says. Bloody or mucus-containing stools indicate a more severe infection or complication with an infection and should be reported to a medical professional. Vomiting and diarrhea can occur frequently for a day or two. It may take a few days or a week for the bowels and stomach to return to normal after a moderate to severe infection. An inability to keep fluids down for 24 hours, vomiting for more than two days or the presence of blood in vomit are serious complications requiring medical attention.
Pain
Abdominal cramping and pain accompany diarrhea and vomiting. Most often, the pain is mild. In some cases, patients may have a headache or occasional muscle aches. Severe pain that prevents normal activities should be reported to a medical professional.
Other Symptoms
The viral infection causing the intestinal flu can lead to a fever. Children with a fever over 102 degrees F and adults with a fever over 104 degrees should seek medical attention.A mild fever is a sign that the body's immune system is fighting off the infection. An elevated fever can lead to other complications. Dehydration can result from prolonged illness. Signs of this include excessive thirst, dry mouth, darkened urine, reduced urine production or severe weakness. Dehydration is also a concern for infants and children. Infants and children who seem lethargic or are moderately irritable may have more serious complications with the intestinal flu, the Mayo Clinic says.
