The stomach flu is an infection that is caused by a virus and is quite common. People will occasionally refer to it as the stomach flu, but the virus that causes it is actually called the norovirus and it’s not a flu virus. This virus causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe abdominal pain for 3 days and it affects all ages, especially in winter. Here we give some tips to prevent this virus and when to call our home GP for stomach flu in Marbella.
How Do You Get Norovirus?
Norovirus can spread through food or drink, possibly from an infected person. Additionally, it adheres to surfaces you touch, such as doorknobs and countertops. If you share food or eating utensils like spoons or forks with someone who is ill, you could contract the norovirus. The virus may remain in your stool for two weeks after your first infection, or longer if you have another health condition.
How to Prevent the Stomach Flu
Following these precautions is the most effective way to stop the spread of intestinal infections:
- Consider getting your child vaccinated. The rotavirus gastroenteritis vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness.
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Also, make sure that your kids are doing the same thing. Teach your older children, especially after they have used the restroom, to always wash their hands after they have been there.
- Use distinct personal items throughout your home. Don't share drinking glasses, plates, or eating utensils. In the bathroom, use different towels.
- Cook your food safely. Before eating, wash all of your fruits and vegetables. Before preparing food on kitchen surfaces, clean those surfaces. If you are sick, stay away from the kitchen.
- Maintain your distance. If at all possible, keep your distance from anyone who has the virus.
- Clean up the hard surfaces.
- Avoid touching laundry that may have been exposed to a virus. Put on gloves before handling the clothes if someone in your household is suffering from viral gastroenteritis. It is recommended to wash clothes and bedding in very hot water and to dry them using the highest possible heat setting. After touching the clean clothing, thoroughly wash your hands.
Treating Stomach Flu
It is imperative that you get plenty of rest if you have been diagnosed with norovirus. Because diarrhoea can deplete your body of a lot of fluids and nutrients, you should make sure to consume a lot of water and sports drinks. Avoid coffee, tea, and other drinks with caffeine. In order to find out whether or not it is safe for you to use anti-diarrheal medication that is available over-the-counter, ask our doctor first.
When to call our Home GP for stomach flu in Marbella
Call our Home GP for stomach flu in Marbella immediately if you are an adult and any of the following apply to you:
- You're vomiting blood
- You’ve been unable to keep any liquids down for the past twenty-four hours.
- You've been vomiting or having diarrhoea for more than two days
- You are suffering from dehydration, which can be identified by extreme fatigue, dizziness, or lightheadedness in addition to excessive thirst and a dry mouth. Urine that is dark yellow in colour or very little or none at all is another sign.
- You have noticed that there is blood in your stools.
- You are suffering from severe abdominal pain.
- You have a fever that is greater than 40C.
For infants and children
Immediately consult your child's primary care physician if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Has a fever of 38.9C or higher
- Appears to be exhausted or extremely agitated.
- Is suffering from a great deal of annoyance or agony
- possesses bloody diarrhoea
- Looks dehydrated. Dry mouth, thirst, and crying without tears are all signs of dehydration that you should keep an eye out for in sick infants and children. You can also tell if they are dehydrated by comparing how much they drink and urinate to their normal amounts.
If you have a young child, it is important to keep in mind that while gagging and spitting up are normal behaviours for babies, vomiting is not one of them. There are many different causes of infant vomiting, and the majority of them may require medical attention.
Please call our Home GP for stomach flu in Marbella as soon as possible if your child:
- Has episodes of vomiting that occur frequently.
- Has gone six hours without having a soiled diaper.
- Has a severe case of diarrhoea or stools that are bloody.
- Possesses a sunken soft spot (also known as a fontanel) on the crown of their head
- Has a dry mouth or cries but no tears are produced
- Is uncharacteristically drowsy, sleepy, or unresponsive