The Flu

I've had conversations with several people in the last few months regarding "the flu". It has come to my realization that there are a lot of confused people out there...So I'm taking the liberty of sharing the correct information with all of you :)

True or False: The "flu shot" protects you against the "stomach flu"?

FALSE. The flu shot protects against influenza, which is NOT the same thing as the stomach flu (gastroenteritis).

• The Flu aka Influenza:
• This is what you get the "flu shot" for.

Influenza (flu), is a viral infection that mimics a cold except that it starts forcefully with symptoms of fatigue, fever, and respiratory congestion. While more than 100 different virus types can cause a common cold, only influenza virus types A, B, and C cause flu. More severe cases of influenza can lead to life-threatening illnesses such as pneumonia.

In addition, while antibiotics can treat a bacterial infection, antibiotics cannot treat influenza because flu is caused by a virus.

The flu shot is a weaker version of the actual flu virus. That is why you should NOT get the flu shot if you are at all sick. Getting the flu shot will allow your body to build up it's own immune system to the viruses.

• The Stomach Flu aka Gastroenteritis:
• The "flu shot" does NOT protect you from this. This is entirely different.

Gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses, including rotaviruses and noroviruses. Although it is often called the stomach flu, it is not caused by influenza viruses. 

Symptoms of gastroenteritis or stomach flu include abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. You may also have fever, headache, and swollen lymph glands, depending on the type of bug that causes it.

In severe cases of gastroenteritis, loss of bodily fluid can result in dehydration, a life-threatening condition that needs medical attention. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, light-headedness, increased thirst, dry or sticky mucous membranes in the mouth, lack of normal elasticity of the skin, decreased urine output, and decreased tears.

You can avoid dehydration by continuing to drink fluids and gradually eating a bland diet such as the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and dry toast). A bland diet is easily digested and is unlikely to irritate your sensitive gastrointestinal system.


References:
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/flu-guide/stomach-flu-not-influenza
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/flu-shot/AN01778
http://coldflu.about.com/od/flumisconceptions/f/stomachflu.htm