When you think of the flu, you might picture symptoms like a high fever, body aches, and fatigue. But did you know that the flu can also affect your stomach and digestive system? While gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more commonly associated with other illnesses, the flu can sometimes lead to these issues as well. In this blog, we’ll explore how the flu can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and when to seek medical care.
For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. If you haven’t gotten your annual flu shot yet, visit us today! We’re open seven days a week. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering below.
Flu vs. Stomach Flu
First, it’s important to clarify the difference between the flu and what people often refer to as the “stomach flu.” The term stomach flu is typically used to describe a viral gastroenteritis infection, which is caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. This is a completely different illness from influenza (the flu), although they can share similar symptoms.
Influenza primarily affects the respiratory system, causing symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, and body aches. However, in some cases, the flu virus can also affect the gastrointestinal tract, causing a range of stomach-related symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms of the Flu
While not everyone with the flu will develop gastrointestinal symptoms, it’s not uncommon for some people to develop them. These symptoms can include:
- Nausea: A feeling of queasiness or an upset stomach is a common gastrointestinal symptom that can accompany the flu.
- Vomiting: While more typical or viral gastroenteritis, some flu patients may experience vomiting as part of their flu illness.
- Diarrhea: Loose stools or diarrhea can occur in some people with the flu, especially in children.
- Stomach Cramps: Abdominal discomfort or bloating can also be present.
It’s worth noting that gastrointestinal symptoms tend to be more common in children than in adults. Some studies have shown that between 10% and 20% of flu cases in children involve gastrointestinal symptoms.
Why Does The Flu Cause Gastrointestinal Symptoms?
The reason influenza can sometimes affect the stomach and intestines is not fully understood. It’s believed that the flu virus may cause inflammation in the digestive system, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus can also affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like digestion, potentially leading to gastrointestinal distress. Another factor is the body’s immune response to the flu. When the immune system is fighting off the virus, it can release chemicals called cytokines. These molecules can affect various parts of the body, including the digestive system, leading to symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.
When To Seek Medical Care
If you experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting along with typical flu symptoms, you can often manage this illness with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. However, if your symptoms are severe or prolonged, it’s important to seek medical attention.
You should consult a healthcare provider if:
- You have persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- You’re unable to keep fluids down
- You experience dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output)
- You have a high fever or body aches that last longer than usual
In some cases, severe gastrointestinal symptoms could indicate a complication or co-infection, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek care from a healthcare professional.
Get Walk-In Flu Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
While gastrointestinal symptoms are not as common as respiratory symptoms, the flu can indeed cause stomach-related issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these symptoms, rest and hydration are key. However, if your symptoms are severe or lingering, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek for guidance and treatment. Visit the walk-in clinic any day of the week for a full diagnosis and treatment plan. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and provides immediate and preventive care to patients of all ages. If you have any additional questions about flu testing or treatment, please call to speak with us directly at (303) 692-8000.
