Stomach Bug Season is Here!
While it is often referred to as “stomach flu,” viral gastroenteritis isn’t related to the flu at all. Gastroenteritis is often caused by rotavirus or norovirus. These viruses cause inflammation of the stomach and/or intestines, which can cause the symptoms normally associated with the stomach virus:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach and abdominal pain
- Fever
- Headaches and body aches
The vomiting and diarrhea that the stomach virus causes can potentially cause you to get dehydrated, so it is best to be aware of the symptoms of that, as well:
- Decreased urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizziness when standing
- Headache
Luckily, these viruses have a fast incubation period. It only takes 12-48 hours for a person that has been infected to start showing symptoms. The stomach virus usually lasts 1-3 days, but you remain contagious even a few days after recovering. If you’re sick it’s best to stay home from school or work to minimize the spread of the virus.
If you do catch the stomach bug, you can bring the whole family to HealthCARE Express. Just walk in, no appointment necessary. We treat all ages, and there’s barely any wait, so you’ll all be back to enjoying family time in no time!
