How to Tell You Have Intestinal Flu

Intestinal flu, also known as stomach flu, is the sudden onset of a primarily transient infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by a virus, bacteria or protozoa. If you believe you may have contracted the illness, below are steps to help make a proper diagnosis.

Instructions

• 1

  Check for the following symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, fever, headache, muscle aches or blood in the stool. If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms, you may have intestinal flu.

• 2

  Consider the places you've been most recently and the people you've spent time with. Intestinal flu is spread through vomit and feces and can be the result of ingesting contaminated food or beverages prepared by someone who doesn't regularly wash his hands. It can also be spread by consuming fish that has been contaminated by sewage, as well as by sharing food or beverages with an infected person. You may have contracted intestinal flu by eating out or by spending time with an infected friend, family member or co-worker.

• 3

  Schedule a doctor's appointment for an official diagnosis. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms listed above, you may have intestinal flu.