Flu Symptoms »

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Stomach flu is a viral infection that affects the stomach and small intestine.  It is also called viral gastroenteritis.  The illness is usually brief and lasts 1 to 3 days. Normally, g astroenteritis is caused by swallowing certain viruses.  The body fluids of infected people contain the virus, sometimes even before their symptoms begin.  The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected person such as kissing, shaking hands or by sharing food, drink, or eating utensils.

The virus in case of stomach flu enters the stomach and intestine and inflames the lining of these organs.  As a result, the stomach and intestine are temporarily unable to perform their usual functions.  The virus can also cause food to move more rapidly through the gastrointestinal tract.

These are some of the common symptoms of stomach flu:

. fatigue
. chills
. loss of appetite
. nausea
. vomiting
. stomach cramps
. diarrhea
. low-grade fever
. muscle aches

The ailment may develop over a period of hours, or it may suddenly start with stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea.