Gastric Flu

Something just came into my mind when I saw the email that Prof. was down with a gastric flu. I suppose it is quite a common problem nowadays as a few of my friends was down with gastric flu recently.

Well, did some research and hope this post will build an awareness of what to do if you or me happen to have the problem.

What is Gastric Flu?
Inflammation of digestive tract, usually caused by a virus transmitted by personal contact resulting in acute diarrhoea.

How to get infected?

• Caused by contaminated food or water
  
• By specific food which produce an extreme allergic reaction
• By a sudden change in diet (abroad, for example)
• By any illness or drug which alters natural balance of bacteria in gut.

Symptoms includes (normally lasting 1-6 days (fewer than 10 days)):

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Bloody stools
• Fainting and Weakness
  

Do you know?

• It is also common for river swimmers to become infected during times of rain as a result of contaminated runoff water. The incidence is 1 in 1,000 people.

• Inadequate treatment of gastroenteritis kills 5 to 8 million people per year, and is a leading cause of death among infants and children under 5.

Basic Common Treatment?
Well, the most common treatment is to hydrate yourself regular to replace the lost fluid in your body. This also prevents dehydration.

*Got the above information from Wikipedia. Do search there for more information on gastric flu.

If nothing goes well, visit your nearby GP immediately for treatments and antibiotics.