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Handling Digestive Distress: Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning, on the other hand, results from consuming contaminated food or liquids. The contamination can come from harmful bacteria, parasites, toxins, or chemicals…reports Dr Dhiraj Bhattad

The change of season can bring with it a unique set of challenges, one of which is the increased risk of gastrointestinal issues like stomach flu and food poisoning. While they may share some common symptoms, it’s crucial to recognize the differences between stomach flu and food poisoning. This article will empower you with the knowledge to distinguish between the two and seek appropriate care when needed.

Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis)

Stomach flu, more accurately termed viral gastroenteritis, is primarily caused by viral infections. Viruses such as norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus are the usual culprits behind stomach flu cases. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through various means, including direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or water, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth. Stomach flu earns its name due to the inflammation it triggers in the stomach and intestines. It is essential to remember that stomach flu is not the same as influenza or the seasonal flu that affects your respiratory system.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning, on the other hand, results from consuming contaminated food or liquids. The contamination can come from harmful bacteria, parasites, toxins, or chemicals. This contamination can occur during food production, processing, or handling. Some well-known bacteria notorious for food poisoning include Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. The symptoms of food poisoning occur as your body’s reaction to these harmful microorganisms and the toxins they produce.

Recognizing the symptoms

Stomach Flu: Stomach flu typically presents with a range of symptoms that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and occasionally a low-grade fever. The onset of symptoms is often sudden and can vary in intensity but generally subside within a few days.

Food Poisoning: Food poisoning can manifest with a diverse array of symptoms, largely depending on the specific contaminant ingested. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody), abdominal pain, fever, and muscle aches. Unlike stomach flu, where the onset is often rapid, food poisoning symptoms might take a few hours or even days to appear after consuming contaminated food.

Key differences

Onset and Duration: Stomach flu tends to strike suddenly, with symptoms appearing within a relatively short time frame after exposure to the virus. However, these symptoms generally resolve within a few days (1 to 3 days). Food poisoning symptoms, on the other hand, can appear within hours or days after consuming contaminated food and can persist for varying durations, ranging from a few hours to several days.

Fever: While both stomach flu and food poisoning can lead to fever, it is more common in cases of food poisoning, particularly if bacteria are the underlying cause.

Nature of Vomiting and Diarrhea: Stomach flu-related vomiting and diarrhea are often more watery and less intense compared to food poisoning. In food poisoning, these symptoms can be severe, accompanied by significant discomfort and, in some cases, blood in the stool.

When to seek medical attention

Stomach Flu: In most cases of stomach flu, medical intervention might not be necessary. Adequate rest, hydration, and consumption of simple, easily digestible foods can help manage the condition. However, if you experience severe symptoms, persistent vomiting, signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dark urine, or dizziness), or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, do consult a doctor.

Food Poisoning: Medical attention may be warranted for cases of food poisoning, especially if symptoms are intense or prolonged. Severe symptoms, including persistent vomiting, high fever, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or signs of dehydration, should not be ignored. Some cases of food poisoning might require antibiotics or other medical interventions eg. Intravenous fluids, so seeking medical care is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing stomach flu and food poisoning

Practicing good hygiene is pivotal in preventing both stomach flu and food poisoning. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food or eating, avoid consumption of undercooked or raw foods, and opt for clean, safe drinking water. Properly storing, handling, and cooking food can significantly reduce the risk of contracting these preventable ailments.

While stomach flu and food poisoning may make their appearance during the monsoon season, it’s important to remember that they are distinct entities with different causes and characteristics. Armed with knowledge about their origins, symptoms, and potential severity, you can make informed decisions regarding self-care and when to seek medical attention. Emphasizing preventative measures such as proper hygiene practices and safe food handling is the cornerstone of safeguarding yourself and your loved ones from these uncomfortable and avoidable health concerns.

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Business Tech Lite UAE News

FOO rolls out it’s newest travel card solution

The travel card solution includes an instantly issued prepaid card that can be topped up from anywhere and at any time…reports Asian Lite News

FOO, an award-winning B2B fintech solutions provider headquartered in the UAE, has unveiled its latest innovation: a customisable, out-of-the-box travel card solution. The prepaid card and digital wallet enable banks to harness the power of fintech to deliver a seamless and cost-effective purchasing experience for their customers, whether at home or abroad.

The travel card solution includes an instantly issued prepaid card that can be topped up from anywhere and at any time. It also includes a white label digital wallet app, equipped with sub-wallets for multiple foreign currencies, to facilitate real-time card and currency management. To cater to the specific requirements of the partnered bank, additional modules can also be seamlessly integrated. These optional modules encompass a range of features such as digital onboarding and ATM withdrawals, enhancing the overall offering.

Consumers will be able to instantly transfer funds from their main bank account onto the prepaid card and convert their money into various currencies using the accompanying app, without incurring costly transaction or exchange fees. They can conveniently monitor expenses and manage their multiple sub-wallets within one easy-to-use app. When it comes to making purchases in different currencies, the card will automatically draw funds from the corresponding sub-wallet, streamlining the process for the cardholders.

This solution will help banks meet consumer demands for cost-effective, secure, and convenient methods of conducting purchases while traveling. What’s more, FOO specializes in offering financial microservices developed in-house, employing a modular ‘plug and play’ model. As a result, FOO’s super-personalized products provide the added advantage of an exceptionally fast time-to-market. Depending on the desired level of customization, FOO’s travel card solution can be ready to launch in as little as 6 weeks.

Ghady Rayess, Managing Partner at FOO, comments: “With the boom in business and leisure travel since the pandemic, the multi-currency prepaid card has emerged as an indispensable digital payment solution for travelers. As such, global payment solutions are no longer simply a value added benefit. Consumers expect a seamless experience across various touchpoints, both in their daily life and while traveling abroad. We are excited about the opportunities this innovation brings to the industry and look forward to helping partner banks thrive in today’s dynamic market.”

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