Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Around 20% of people catch stomach flu every year, and they usually have diarrhea.

What is Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)?

Viral or bacterial gastroenteritis is a common condition where the stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed - what you might call a stomach bug.

What causes Stomach Flu?

The most common causes of gastroenteritis are:

Viruses (Norovirus in adults, Rotavirus in children)
Drinking contaminated water (travellers’ diarrhea)
Food poisoning

What are the symptoms of Stomach Flu?

While acute diarrhea is the main symptom of gastroenteritis, you might also experience nausea, vomiting, headache or mild fever. Symptoms usually pass in a few days.

How to avoid catching or spreading it

If your gastroenteritis is caused by Norovirus, it will be highly contagious. So be careful not to spread it to other people.

Read ways to avoid spreading the infection by Norovirus

How to treat diarrhea from Stomach Flu

You can, of course, treat your diarrhea and quickly start to feel like yourself again. IMODIUM^® works in harmony with your body to help restore its natural rhythm. You shouldn’t think that it’s better to let diarrhea run its course or ‘flush’ your system of bacteria. Diarrhea is not a defense mechanism that works to fight infection - your immune system does that - but a symptom of disruption to your digestion. When left to run its course, diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it is best to treat it early.

Know How to Treat Diarrhea from Stomach Flu