Did you know the stomach flu can be contagious?
Doctors in the UAE have stressed that cases of stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis are increasing as these cases usually occur during winter and can be contagious.
Young children and the elderly are most at risk for serious complications from the infection, sometimes leading to hospitalization.
They also explained that there are different variants of the stomach bug and that the virus is contagious and spreads rapidly among infected people.
This can happen through close contact, touching infected surfaces, and sharing food and utensils.
Dr. Osama Elsayed Rezk Elassy, clinical assistant professor, consultant and department head of the Pediatric and Neonatal Center at Thumbay University Hospital, said: “Compared to other countries, stomach flu cases in children have increased by about 30-35% in the past few months.”
Medical staff explained that the “highly contagious” virus can cause diarrhea, vomiting and nausea associated with gastroenteritis. “There appears to be an increase in the number of patients complaining of having ‘winter stomach flu,’ a common term that refers to a number of gastrointestinal illnesses that are more prevalent in the winter,” Elasi added.
Cases may rise
Dr Moaz Naser, a general practitioner at NMC Royal Hospital, warned that there will be a surge in patient numbers in the coming months. “Over the next period, December and January, the numbers are likely to increase,” he said.
They stress that it’s important to understand that the stomach flu is not the same as influenza, a respiratory disease caused by a virus. “Instead, the term ‘gastrointestinal flu’ generally describes an infection of the intestines and stomach caused by a virus called viral gastroenteritis,” Elasi continued.
“The fecal-oral route is the mode of transmission, which means contaminated food, water, or stool can lead to infection. It can also remain on surfaces. Improper maintenance of hand hygiene may increase the risk of infection transmission.”
During flu season (which typically occurs during the colder months), people are more likely to stay indoors and near other people, especially in cold countries.
This close contact can facilitate the spread of respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses.
Dr Mariam Esamy, a GP at Burjeel Farha in Al Ain, said: “This is definitely associated with influenza and this pattern tends to happen, especially at this time of year.”
Common symptoms
Health care professionals say the winter flu can cause symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, inability to eat properly, bloating, gas, reflux problems and diarrhea.
It is usually spread through contact with an infected person, eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.
Dr Gorika Bansal, Paediatrician, Pasha Heights Center for Quality Healthcare, said: “There is no doubt that the flu season has arrived and since the beginning of October we have seen a surge in the number of cases and a significant increase in the number of patients. There has been a significant increase in the number of cases at OPD… More than 35%. “A lot of people are testing positive for influenza A. “
She added, “Viruses such as influenza, norovirus and adenovirus are highly contagious.”
These infections spread easily in densely populated areas, such as restaurants, schools, and day care centers, where people come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Doctors say these infections spread quickly among children because they often touch surfaces and then touch their faces or eat without washing their hands.
“Many children suffer from stomach problems, especially repeated vomiting. The child has been unable to eat in the past few days and even vomited in the early hours of the morning. Stomach infection is common during the flu and is a viral infection. This may cause multi-system symptoms. Apart from respiratory problems, symptoms of gastroenteritis may also occur,” Bansal added.
When do you rush to the hospital?
Doctors point out that if a child has a high fever, fails to respond to oral medications, or is extremely drowsy and irritable, he or she needs to be taken to the hospital immediately.
She added: “If a child doesn’t take anything by mouth, he will vomit repeatedly and almost become dehydrated, with symptoms such as dry mouth, low platelets, asking for water again and again, or seeming sluggish. Additionally, if a child develops In case of difficulty breathing, parents must go to the nearest hospital or contact their child’s pediatrician as soon as possible.”
Treatment of viral gastroenteritis consists primarily of supportive care and symptom management, with antibiotics used in severe cases.
“The most important thing is to stay hydrated and use ORS,” says Elassy. The typical course of viral gastroenteritis is five to six days; however, it can extend much longer. The key factor is staying hydrated—in both adults and children .”
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