Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu”, is actually not a flu. Real flu (influenza), affects only the respiratory system. However, gastroenteritis affects the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and the intestines, due to a viral or a bacterial infection.

Patients typically suffer from watery diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pains and fever. As a result of the diarrhoea and vomiting, patients can also suffer from dehydration. In elderly, hospitalisation may be required to replace the fluids intravenously. In extreme cases, dehydration can lead to death.

Gastroenteritis is most commonly cause by a virus, namely a rotavirus or a norovirus. To help prevent rotavirus, there are vaccines that can be given to children. In rare instances, gastroenteritis can also be caused by bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis#1

https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis#2

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847

https://theconversation.com/explainer-what-is-gastroenteritis-and-why-cant-i-get-rid-of-it-34351

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