How long is the incubation period for a stomach flu?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Gastroenteritis, clinically, is mostly caused by viral infection, hence the incubation period for patients with viral flu typically ranges from one to three days. Due to differing immune functions, patients may exhibit varied clinical symptoms. In addition to upper respiratory infection symptoms, gastroenteritis patients often experience gastrointestinal discomfort, particularly in young infants, manifesting as nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea during the outbreak. Typically, gastroenteritis patients need a week for the infection to resolve and the healing process to complete. Thus, it is crucial in clinical practice to promptly provide antiviral and symptomatic treatment to relieve symptoms. Some mild cases can be cured, but most require appropriate medication for symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can I eat chicken when I have a cold and cough?

During a cold with cough, the diet should be light. If there's no fever or wheezing, it's acceptable to eat some chicken, but not excessively. The focus should be on foods that are light, soft, and rich in vitamins and fiber. Over-nutrition can not only nourish the body but also strengthen the pathogens within, which is not conducive to recovery from the illness. Also, measure body temperature, drink plenty of water, and check for signs of acute infection in the throat or respiratory tract. If there are signs of infection, it is necessary to choose antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment.

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Written by Huang Kun Mei
Pediatrics
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What to do if a baby catches a cold?

When a child catches a cold, it's important to consider their specific symptoms. If the cold lasts no more than three days and the child is in good spirits, you can treat them with anti-viral and heat-clearing Chinese patent medicines. Their diet should be light and easy to digest, and include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. If the baby is exclusively breastfed and under six months old, the mother should ensure a balanced diet, consume easily digestible foods, and avoid overly greasy or spicy foods. If the child's cold persists for more than three days and symptoms like cough with phlegm appear, it's necessary to bring the child to the hospital for timely tests, such as a complete blood count and C-reactive protein, to rule out bacterial infections and provide appropriate treatment based on the child's condition. For infants with a cold, considering their underdeveloped organ functions and weaker immunity, even a common cold can easily lead to secondary viral or bacterial infections, potentially causing severe diseases like pneumonia. Therefore, it's best to take the child to the pediatric outpatient clinic for assessment and targeted treatment. If it’s inconvenient to visit a doctor, consider that most colds are caused by viruses, such as respiratory or enteroviruses. Therefore, you might treat the child at home with antiviral Chinese patent medicines and symptom-specific supportive treatments. It's also crucial to manage their diet well, as digestive functions can be compromised during a cold. Thus, meals should be small and frequent, and it's advisable to avoid hard-to-digest and potentially allergenic foods to prevent exacerbating symptoms. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to deal with cold chills and fever?

Symptoms of a cold such as chills and fever are manifestations of chills and high fever. During this period, one should first measure the body temperature, drink plenty of water, and promptly take appropriate fever-reducing measures depending on the severity of the fever to prevent febrile convulsions. Generally, the body temperature is measured again two hours after fever reduction through physical cooling or medication. Once the body sweats, the body temperature will return to normal, and the symptoms of chills will gradually ease. If the body temperature exceeds 38.5 degrees Celsius, medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Which department should I visit for a cold?

A cold is a common self-limiting disease in daily life, and it is also somewhat contagious. For treatment and examination, one can visit the general internal medicine department or the respiratory department at a hospital. If it is a severe contagious cold, such as an epidemic influenza, it is advisable to go to the infectious disease department of the hospital for examination. The main principle is symptomatic treatment and antiviral management, while avoiding stress. Mild cases may recover on their own within three to seven days without medication or treatment, simply by resting and drinking plenty of water. However, if the symptoms are severe, timely examination should be sought to prevent complications.

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Written by Liu Ying
Cardiology
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What should I do if I have a cold with heart failure?

Infections are a primary cause of worsening heart failure. Patients with heart failure who catch a cold should treat the cold, and if the cold exacerbates the heart failure, they should also treat the heart failure simultaneously. Patients with heart failure should always try to avoid infections by regularly ventilating their living spaces, avoiding crowded places prone to cross-infections, and dressing appropriately for the weather. Additionally, patients should engage in appropriate exercise to boost their immune system, but they must balance activity and rest.