As most of you know by now, my family was hit by the flu bug this weekend……or at least that is what we call it.   The “real” flu, influenza is a viral respiratory infection but what we had was the puking and liquid poo stomach flu version.

The little man brought this nasty bug home on Friday night and proceeded to infect the whole house within the span of 48 hours.  I can’t even tell you how disgusting stressful it was to have Aby, Mick and I all down with the flu at the same time.  Horrid.  

With so much puke and poo nastiness flying thru the house, many asked “did you get the flu shot”.  Well, what we had, the flu shot can’t fix.  See the flu shot only works on the influenza version and doesn’t help its black sheep cousin gastroenteritis at all.  So I have added in a few flu facts below.

Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu?

I got the flu shot last year, but I still got the stomach flu. Why should I bother getting it again this year if it doesn’t work?

Answer

from James M. Steckelberg, M.D.

The flu shot protects against influenza, which isn’t the same thing as the stomach flu (gastroenteritis). 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.

Real flu (influenza) attacks your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs — causing fever, muscle aches, coughing and congestion. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps.

No vaccine is available for gastroenteritis with the exception of a newly released rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq, an oral vaccine for infants. However, you can reduce your risk of gastroenteritis by frequent and thorough hand washing.

The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk of getting influenza.

I always use the Mayo Clinic for most of my health questions/concerns.  They seem to have the most comprehensive online system and their reputation kicks ass is impeccable. 

Good luck fighting all the various illnesses and “bugs” this season.  I wish each and every one of you an abundance of health.

Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                            amanda@tootallfritz.com