Hospitals see spike in stomach flu cases across cities – Here's why

There is a sharp rise in patients seeking urgent medical care for stomach infections, also called summer diarrhoea, clinicians in several hospitals across cities say, as much of India reports scorching levels of temperatures ranging from 40-46 degree Celsius.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave warnings for northern and central Indian states due to severe heatwave conditions. States like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Delhi-NCR have been reporting above normal day temperatures, while the nighttime temperatures have also been uncomfortably high.

High humidity combined with high temperatures creates favourable conditions for viruses to survive, explained Dr Suranjit Chatterjee, internal medicine specialist at Apollo Hospitals. He said that exposure to food-borne illnesses also increases as food spoils faster in extreme heat.

“People get dehydrated easily and drink water from different sources that exposes them to unclean water and is the biggest cause of stomach infections," he explained.

“In India, norovirus and rotavirus are the common causes of infection in addition to bacterial infections that cause gastroenteritis and fever." It spreads through contaminated food and water, contact with infected surfaces, and even person-to-person transmission.

The stomach flu leads to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and this swelling disrupts digestion and causes uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps and pain, explained Dr Manik Sharma, Senior Director, Gastroenterology, Max Super Speciality, Noida.

Additionally, food that would last for a few hours in mild weather spoils if it is left outside. Similarly, water sources are compromised when drains overflow, and sanitation systems are unable to withstand the heat.

In fact, gastroenteritis causes millions of cases in India annually, and it’s highly prevalent due to sanitation and environmental factors. But what should one look out for in cases of severe diarrhoea?

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Symptoms typically appear one to three days after exposure. In most cases, symptoms resolve with rest and oral hydration, according to Dr Sharma.

However, one should seek immediate care if you experience vomiting that lasts more than 2 days in adults, 24 hours in children, or 12 hours in infants or if you are unable to take liquids due to nausea or persistent vomiting.

Signs of severe dehydration or blood in your vomit or bowel movements are a red flag. Keep a check on fever. A body temperature above 104°F (40°C) for adults or 102°F (38.9°C) for children needs a doctor’s attention.

HOW TO PREVENT FALLING SICK

Prevention and proper management are key. Dr Sharma advised washing your hands frequently instead of using a sanitiser. And wash for at least 20 seconds. “Hand sanitisers are largely ineffective against norovirus (the leading cause of stomach bugs) and certain bacterial spores," he said.

Also, hydration is very important; one should replace lost fluids with oral rehydration solutions. Avoid sugary drinks, fruit juices and caffeine. Eating raw vegetables and fruits, especially if kept in the open for too long, should be avoided.

Dr Sharma advised that one should be very careful with food in order to prevent summer food poisoning and wash and clean surfaces, separate raw meat from produce, cook well and refrigerate perishable food.