When the flu strikes, it can feel like a sudden and overwhelming sense of discomfort. This viral condition causes a range of symptoms to develop, including fever, chills, and body aches. However, many people may experience lesser-known symptoms that can leave them with questions. One such symptom is diarrhea, and in this blog, we’ll explain how the influenza virus can prompt gastrointestinal symptoms and outline when it might be necessary to seek medical attention.
For same-day flu symptom relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Aurora Havana. Our board-certified medical providers can evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible so you recover quickly. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering below!
Does the Flu Cause Diarrhea?
In short, yes– the flu can cause diarrhea. While it’s not as commonly discussed as a fever or cough, gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and nausea can accompany influenza. Typically, when we think of the flu, we think of the hallmark respiratory symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, and congestion. However, the flu can often cause a range of symptoms that go beyond the respiratory system. Gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, can be one of the lesser known, but still prevalent, manifestations of the flu virus.
When the flu affects the gastrointestinal tract, the impact on the gut can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can occur simultaneously with or even before the onset of other typical symptoms. This symptom is thought to occur due to the body’s immune response to the virus. The response can cause inflammation and disruption in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to diarrhea.
How To Manage Flu Symptoms
In most cases, flu-related diarrhea tends to resolve on its own as the body fights off the virus. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and manage symptoms effectively, especially when they involve dehydration due to fluid loss from diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience diarrhea along with other flu-like symptoms, it’s important to focus on proper hydration. Drink plenty of water and electrolyte-rich fluids to help replenish any lost fluids and prevent dehydration. Additionally, it’s important to focus on supportive care and allow your body to rest to combat the flu virus and alleviate symptoms.
While most cases of the flu, and flu-related diarrhea, resolve without specific treatment, some individuals may need to seek professional care. First, it’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis of your condition so you follow the correct treatment regimen. Also, certain populations– including young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions– may be at a higher risk of complications. In such cases, seeking medical attention is recommended to ensure proper symptom management.
Get Walk-in Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Aurora Havana
While diarrhea can indeed be a symptom of the flu, it’s important to know when to seek professional care. Dealing with the flu can be challenging, so don’t hesitate to get the care you need when you need it. Remember, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest are key when dealing with flu symptoms. If you or a loved one are at risk of complications due to the flu virus, seeking medical attention can make all the difference in recovery.
AFC Urgent Care Denver Aurora Havana provides walk-in flu symptom relief seven days a week. Our medical team is committed to providing the highest quality of care to all patients in the Denver, CO area. Just stop by at your convenience! If you have any additional questions about our services, please call us directly at (303) 343-6000.
