Delhi Sees Surge in Stomach Flu Cases; What You Need to Know About The Condition

delhi sees surge in stomach flu cases; what you need to know about the condition

Doctors in Delhi have reported a rise in cases of stomach flu – an intestinal infection wherein one has symptoms of watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting and sometimes fever. Also, known as viral gastroenteritis, it is usually caused by various viruses, such as norovirus, rotavirus, and enteroviruses. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread easily through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or poor hygiene.

Mayo Clinic says that the most common way to develop stomach flu is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. “If you’re otherwise healthy, you’ll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.”

“In recent days, there has been a noticeable increase in patients coming to us in OPDs for cases such as flu, diarrhoea, viral fever, etc., which is estimated to be between 20 per cent to 30 per cent higher,” Dr. Vandana Garg, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Max Hospital told IANS.

Dr. Garg also says that people with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension and those with recent travel history have a higher risk.

Symptoms of stomach flu

Here are some of the common symptoms of stomach flu, according to Mayo Clinic.

• Watery, usually non-bloody diarrhoea. Bloody diarrhoea means you have a different, more severe infection
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

“Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you’re infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days,” says Mayo Clinic.

Causes of stomach flu

The common cause of stomach flu is eating or drinking contaminated food or water. There are different viruses that can cause stomach flu, some of them are:

Noroviruses

This is the most common cause that leads to foodborne illness worldwide. Norovirus infection can sweep through families and communities. It’s especially likely to spread among people in confined spaces. Mayo Clinic says, “Norovirus infection can sweep through families and communities. It’s especially likely to spread among people in confined spaces.”

Rotavirus

This is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. Mayo Clinic says, “It can also spread through contaminated food. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

“Adults infected with rotavirus may not have symptoms, but can still spread the illness. This is of particular concern in institutional settings such as nursing homes because adults with the virus unknowingly can pass the virus to others. A vaccine against viral gastroenteritis is available in some countries, including the United States, and appears to be effective in preventing the infection.”

Prevention of stomach flu

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently
• Avoid contaminated food and water
• Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
• Cook seafood thoroughly
• Disinfect surfaces that might have been contaminated.