Never underestimate the power of handwashing. Each time we practice the simple task of cleaning our hands thoroughly with soap and water, we protect ourselves against a myriad of diseases—from respiratory illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19, to gastrointestinal infections like hepatitis A, cholera, E. coli, salmonellosis, parasites, and stomach flu
Not that kind of ‘flu’
“Stomach flu is a misconception. Doctors call it viral gastroenteritis,” says Carlo Cornejo, MD, a Gastroenterologist at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Gastroenteritis is caused by a virus [notably, the rotovirus] that is different from the virus of influenza. It leads to inflammation in our gut, interrupting its absorption mechanism, which results in watery stool.” Vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps, and low-grade fever are other symptoms to expect.
Sound a little like food poisoning? Here is how you can tell the difference: The adverse reaction from food poisoning takes between six (6) to 24 hours to manifest, while stomach flu’s diarrhea and other symptoms happen one (1) to two (2) days after contamination.
Viral gastroenteritis is transmitted through the oral-fecal route—that is, when you inadvertently ingest particles of poop from a person with viral gastroenteritis. “If they did not wash their hands then they touch a doorknob or flush a toilet that you end up touching, then you get it,” says Dr. Cornejo. Food handlers with the virus who don’t observe proper hygiene when preparing meals and drinks can also spread the virus to others
Hydrate—and ride it out
There is no specific medication for viral gastroenteritis, so what doctors do is take care of the effects. To address dehydration from watery stool and vomiting, “the number one treatment for gastroenteritis is hydration, taking lots of fluids,” he says.
“And it is not just water that you use to replace your fluids. You also lose electrolytes like potassium when you have diarrhea and vomiting. And when you have very low potassium, it affects your muscles and weakens your body.”
As for making constant trips to the toilet, Dr. Cornejo would rather you ride it out. “As long as you can support your body, you are taking lots of fluids, and you are no longer vomiting, you do not need to stop the diarrhea. Just let it go. You do not need it in your life.”
In the meantime, help ease those bathroom runs by staying on a BRAT diet—that is Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. “Think of it as tasteless. Staying on a bland diet gives your intestines a chance to recover,” he says. It goes without saying that it is best to avoid foods that may prolong or worsen diarrhea: chocolate, coffee, dairy, and foods that are oily, spicy, and fibrous.
Thankfully, viral gastroenteritis is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves itself in about three days and when accompanied by the BRAT diet, hydration with electrolytes, and adequate rest. Complications are rare “as our intestines have an amazing capacity to heal,” says Dr. Cornejo.
Problems can arise, however, when it affects vulnerable individuals like infants, very young children, and the elderly. “These particular populations we have to watch out for. We’re very careful to make sure they get over this viral infection.”
Which brings us to the importance of handwashing and other measures to prevent viral gastroenteritis. “Please wash your hands. Soap is very important,” says Dr. Cornejo. “Second, make sure that the food you are looking to eat is properly cooked. And third, when you are sick, please stay home so that you will not cause problems for other people.”
Article based on Lunas of DZRH and RHTV guesting of Carlo Cornejo, MD, last December 3, 2025.
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