Stomach Flu vs. Influenza: The Differences between These Two Illnesses and When to Seek Medical Treatment

If you are suffering from the flu, it is important to recognize which type of flu you actually have. Today, the term "flu" is used interchangeably for two very different types of illnesses: the stomach flu and influenza. Here are some differences between the two sicknesses, how to treat each illness, and when you should see your doctor.

Stomach Flu

Cause

The stomach flu, also called gastroenteritis, has several different causes. It can be caused by bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, by parasites, poor hygiene, and viruses, such as norovirus, adenovirus, and rotavirus. Viruses are the most common cause, as they are responsible for close to half of all stomach illnesses. 

Gastroenteritis is transmitted to others easily with improper hand washing habits. If you or anyone in your home are sick with the stomach flu, it is important for all in your home to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing a diaper. 

Symptoms

The stomach flu causes your stomach and intestines to become inflamed and irritated, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Stomach flu is sometimes called the 24-hour bug, as most people get over the sickness within 24 hours. But sometimes the illness can be more severe in older adults, infants, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. 

Treatment

While you are sick with a stomach flu, drinking a flat (noncarbonated) Coke can help ease your nausea. The syrup in the Coke has carmative properties, which prevent the formation of gas in your intestines. Coke syrup also is used as an antiemetic, to help relieve nausea and vomiting. Then, when your nausea is gone, it is recommended to eat foods that help with diarrhea symptoms, such as toast, bananas, rice, and applesauce.

When to See a Doctor

Because you can lose a lot of body liquids from throwing up and diarrhea while you are sick with a stomach flu, it is important to watch out for any signs of dehydration. If you are dehydrated, you should see your doctor for medical treatment. Signs of dehydration can include urinating less, decrease in skin elasticity, increased thirst, dizziness, and sunken eyes. You should also see your doctor if you throw up and have diarrhea for over 48 hours, have blood in your vomit or stools, have a fever of 102.2 degrees F or higher in yourself or a child, and a fever of 100.4 degrees F or more in an infant.

Influenza

Cause

Influenza, also called the flu, is an upper respiratory illness and is caused by the very contagious influenza virus. Unlike the stomach flu, which is typically spread through contact with unwashed hands, influenza is spread through respiratory secretions from coughing, sneezing, and from sharing drinks and eating utensils. This virus is most common during winter and early spring. Fortunately, you can get a flu vaccine to help prevent you from catching influenza. 

Symptoms

Unlike the stomach flu, influenza is considered a deadly virus, as it can cause pneumonia and lead to death. During the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the virus was so deadly an estimated 50 million people died. Some of its victims began experiencing symptoms in the morning and were dead by nightfall, and the illness mainly killed adults from ages 20 to 50. 

After you have been exposed to influenza, you may experience symptoms of body aches, fever, weakness, and a cough within one to four days. Unlike the stomach flu, which you can usually recover from in 24 hours, influenza symptoms can last for up to a week. 

Treatment

Be sure to drink lots of fluids, get a lot of rest, and take fever reducers and over-the-counter pain medications to help relieve your symptoms. 

When to See a Doctor

You need to see your doctor immediately if you have trouble breathing, dizziness, chest or stomach pain, dehydration, or vomiting. You should take your child to the doctor if their skin or lips appear bluish in color, they have a high fever of 102 degrees F or above with a rash, or won't wake up or interact with you.

Use this information to help you and your family prevent and treat influenza and the stomach flu, and seek out primary care physicians in Roan Mountain, TN, or your local area if you need a doctor's care.