Public Health : Stomach Flu
If you haven’t been stricken this season with the stomach flu, count yourself lucky. Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, affects the intestines and not the stomach, which makes the name stomach flu a little misleading. The symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, stomachache, fever and decreased appetite. Usually, gastroenteritis only lasts a couple of days, but sometimes can last up to 10 days. When you have gastroenteritis, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat as healthy a diet as you can. Dehydration is the most common problem associated with gastroenteritis and is the most dangerous. Anyone with vomiting or diarrhea is at risk, and infants and young children are especially prone to dehydration.
For more information on St. John’s events or to find a physician, visit stj.com or call St. John’s Referral One at 625.2000. And, to learn more about the integrated services and physicians available through the Sisters of Mercy Health System, log on to mercy.net.
