There’s been a lot of flu talk this year.  The CDC is telling us that we are in the middle of one of the worse flu seasons ever, and now we are dealing with a Norovirus stomach flu outbreak as well…

So what is the difference between the two?

-Respiratory Flu is caused by a virus the primarily affects the respiratory track, there are a variety of influenza viruses that cause the flu

-The Stomach Flu or Gastroenteritis is a completely unrelated condition that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites.  The norovirus is just one type of stomach flu virus. There are also non-infectious sources of gastroenteritis such as food intolerance or allergy.

Does a flu shot have anything to do with the stomach flu?

-Absolutely nothing

What are the common symptoms of the stomach flu?
    Common Symptoms:

-Fever

-Nausea with or without vomiting

-Mild to moderate diarrhea

-Cramping, painful bloating, abdominal pain

-Dehydration including electrolyte abnormality

    More worrisome symptoms:

-Blood in vomit or stool

-Continued vomiting or diarrhea

-High fever

-Severe abdominal pain

-Little to no urination (dehydration)

Is there anything that can be done to prevent the stomach flu?

• Kids get vaccines for Rotavirus
• Some adult vaccines are available for travel
• Drink clean water (travelers diarrhea)
• Proper hand washing
• Bleach in soiled laundry (especially kids)

What’s with all the hype on the new norovirus?

• Noroviruses are often the culprits of outbreaks of viral gastroenteritis
• Responsible for the outbreaks on the cruise ships in the early 2000s
• New strains develop every 3-4 years
• GII.4 Sydney is the most recent new virus, new to us, more people get sick
• Very infections, 5 billion infectious doses in each gram of stool
• It is a virus, which supportive care is given

Dr. Justin Puckett, D.O.

1611 S. Baltimore

Kirksville, MO. 63501

660-665-7575