Flu and diarrhoea
In common parlance, an infection of the digestive tract (gastroenteritis), which is accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting, is often called gastroenteritis. This disease, caused by various viruses or bacteria that attack the stomach and intestinal mucosa, has nothing in common with the “real flu” or influenza described in this article. However, influenza can also cause watery diarrhea and/or vomiting in addition to the typical flu symptoms.
Viruses prefer to attack the mucous membranes in the body. They usually enter the body via the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat, but can also spread throughout the entire organism and attack the intestinal mucosa. If this is the case, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea may occur.
These symptoms are best treated with home remedies; anti-inflammatory teas such as chamomile or sage can alleviate the symptoms. Antibiotics do not help with a viral disease, as they are directed against bacteria. Other medications are often ineffective against diarrhoea, too, because the intestinal passage is greatly accelerated by the diarrhoea and the active ingredients often have too short a contact time with the intestinal mucosa to be absorbed into the body and to develop their effect. For certain influenza pathogens, diarrhea is a very characteristic symptom. For example, in the case of swine flu, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea usually occur in addition to the typical flu symptoms.
Flu during pregnancy
The typical symptoms of fever, headache, chills, exhaustion and loss of appetite are also indicative of influenza during pregnancy. If the symptoms get worse in the course of the illness or have not improved after a few days, you should consult a doctor immediately. During pregnancy, a flu infection does not normally affect the unborn child.
However, in rare cases, complications of the flu, such as high fever or pneumonia, can lead to a miscarriage or premature birth. In addition, the risk of contracting influenza during pregnancy or suffering serious complications as a pregnant woman is greater. For this reason, all pregnant women are now recommended to be vaccinated against flu after the 14th week of pregnancy, as the development of the baby is largely complete. The vaccination is not dangerous for the baby and has the advantage that it is also protected against the flu virus for a while after birth (nest protection).
