William Penn Life, 2013 (48. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2013-04-01 / 4. szám
Our Health Corner Debbie Wolfe, rn What we need to know about stomach ‘flu’ VOMITING, DIARRHEA, STOMACH CRAMPS...Ugh! What could be worse? There are at least 20 million stomach flu cases in the U.S. each year, and many people don't know much about it. For one, it's not really the flu. Here are a few things you need to know about viral gastroenteritis. When people say "the flu," they mean influenza, a virus that circulates the globe each year, attacking the nose and throat as it spreads through communities. Flu shots protect against this virus, not ones that cause viral gastroenteritis. The confusion may be due to the similar symptoms, such as body aches, nausea and low grade fever. A flu shot does not protect against stomach bugs. There is no such thing as a stomach flu shot. So, let's stop blaming the flu and call it by its real name: Norovirus. This is a family of viruses most often to blame for adult gastroenteritis. Norovirus can spread like wildfire in any crowded place, causing outbreaks in day care centers, schools, cruise ships, hospitals and nursing homes. It is extremely contagious. Stomach flu spreads via the fecal-oral route, which is just as gross as it sounds. Basically, viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths. Very diligent hand washing is your best defense. Wash with soap and water, which is more effective than hand sanitizers. Wash them carefully if you're changing diapers or cleaning up after a sick child. Grown-ups in the household should clean up after themselves if they can. These germs are tough. Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can be surprisingly hardy and live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily. Avoid food prep if you're sick. You can still be infectious for three days or more after symptoms wane. Wash laundry carefully, using gloves to handle soiled clothing and bedding if you can. Use a bleachbased cleaner to kill virus particles on hard surfaces. It usually gets better on its own. The stomach flu is what doctor's call "self-limiting," meaning it will play itself out and rarely require medical treatment. While norovirus is the leading cause of food borne illness, salmonella and other bugs are more likely to result in a hospital stay or death. If you have viral gastroenteritis, you should start to feel better after two or three days. Dehydration is the biggest risk. It stands to reason that if you are losing lots of fluid through watery diarrhea and vomiting, you need to replace that fluid. But you are also losing sodium, potassium and other minerals, known as electrolytes, and they also need to be replaced. Drink an oral electrolyte solution, like pedialyte, that contains salts and sugar as well as water. There is no treatment for viral gastroenteritis besides time and symptom relief. Antibiotics are useless, so don't be surprised when you don't get one from your doctor. Over the counter remedies that contain bismuth subsalicylate (like Pepto-Bismol) may help simple diarrhea. Other antidiarrheal medications may also ease cramps and diarrhea, but avoid them if you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever. When should you see your doctor? If you see blood in your stool or vomit, call your doctor right away. Extreme lethargy, confusion or otherwise altered mental status, dark urine—these are all signs of serious dehydration. Seek help if your symptoms aren't getting better after three days, if you have prolonged vomiting that prevents liquid intake, or if you spike an oral temperature over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The old, young and sick are at the greatest risk. Young children's developing immune systems make it harder for them to fight off viral infections, and their smaller bodies are also at greater risk of becoming dehydrated. Elderly people are also more prone to coming down with viral gastroenteritis and take longer to recover afterwards. Anyone with a chronic illness, such as heart disease, asthma, cancer, or kidney disease, or who has HIV, or is taking medications that suppress the immune system, should check with a doctor if they get the stomach "flu." Take it slow on the road to recovery. When your symptoms subside, you're probably going to feel pretty hungry, but save the feast for a few days. Eat smaller, light meals and drink in smaller volumes. Basically, you want to avoid eating or drinking in a way that will distend the stomach. Overloading the tummy too soon may make you feel sick all over again, so skip the fatty food cravings and stick to light, easy to digest meals. Oh, and one more thing...WASH YOUR HANDS! This time of year it cannot be stressed enough. Work up a good lather while humming to yourself one verse of the Happy Birthday song, then rinse. Make sure to dry your hands after washing. Also, keep your hands away from your face as much as possible. There you have it—a simple and obvious plan to stay as healthy as possible! But, if you get that sick tummy, stay home, sip some hot tea. You are not alone. And, remember, this too shall pass. Photo: © Richard Nelson/Dreamstime.Com Healthy! t Horp-py! stay egészségére! Pebble William Penn Life 0 April 2013 0 11
