Do You Have the Stomach Flu or Influenza? Find Out Below!

Knowing the potential issues for a specific illness can have you prepared in case of more serious illness onset. Also, it is important to understand the difference of stomach flu vs. influenza so that the sufferer is aware of the importance of medical treatment at certain junctures.

Stomach Flu

Some indications that a person is suffering from the stomach flu include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Stomach cramps in the stomach or sides can also be an indication of the stomach flu.

Fever, headache and swollen lymph glands can also be an indication of the stomach flu. For those who are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea for an extended period of time, dehydration can occur. This is a serious concern.

Therefore, anyone with sunken eyes, feeling lightheaded or having a dry mouth or feeling thirsty all the time can be signs to be aware of and indications it is time to seek medical help.

Causes of Stomach Flu

There are numerous possibilities to what can cause the stomach flu. Those possibilities include bacteria, a virus or parasite and poor hygiene. Even dairy products can be the culprit when an individual considers possible causes of stomach flu.

Fever, dehydration and vomiting for more than 48 hours are all strong indications it is time to see a medical professional for assistance in dealing with the illness.

Influenza

Type A and B are the causes for seasonal outbreaks of the flu. Meanwhile, Type C causes milder symptoms and is not covered by the immunization available against the flu.

Influenza symptoms include fever, body and muscle aches and symptoms can last up to three weeks.

Sufferers are contagious for up to seven days, and other people get ill from the germs expelled with a cough or sneeze. The individual can get ill from these germs being inhaled or landing on the eyes or mouth when circulating through a room.

The illness is easier to contract during the winter, as germs can live longer in the less humid indoor air during that season. Meanwhile, those who have influenza will typically be ill 24 hours before showing symptoms.

Main Difference

A significant difference between these two illnesses is the onset of vomiting and diarrhea or potential for dehydration. With both illnesses, it is wise to stay hydrated and drink liquids regularly.

However, for the stomach flu, it is an issue to be able to keep these fluids down. Also, the aches and pains for Influenza affect all muscles of the body, while stomach flu typically causes pain and discomfort in the stomach area only.

Treatment

Considering the stomach flu vs. influenza debate and understanding the importance of avoiding dehydration while dealing with the stomach flu are all key to getting through a bout with each illness without significant discomfort or need for an extended medical stay.

For those who better understand what illness they are dealing with, they can focus on better home remedies and resting as much as possible in order to not become more ill or deal with a new illness.

With the influenza virus, prevention is also very important. If you can stop yourself from getting the flu, you are going to feel a lot better that year! One way to prevent the virus is by wearing an antibacterial facemask during the season when most people in your area get the flu. This facemask will protect you from their bacteria as you walk down the street or are at work. The mask also ensures you do not give any virus or bacteria to other people as you casually interact with them.