Stomach Flu, also called gastroenteritis, is general term for various inflammatory problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Most stomach flu are contagious and is caused by a virus. The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. People with weakened immune system are more susceptibe to this complication.
Causes of Gastroenteritis
- Contagious Causes – Stomach Flu is commonly cause by a virus or bacteria. It can be spread from one person to another through eating food and drinking water contaminated by the microbe.
- Non-Contagious Causes – Includes food allergies, parasites, drugs, toxins, or the side effects of medications.
Although it may resemble the symptoms, Gastroenteritis is different from food poisoning and Influenza.