Does Flu Make You Vomit?

K

koolerthantim

New member
I don't see why the flu should cause you to vomit. The flu is a respiratory infection, not a gastrional infection. I've never had the flu, but I'm scared that I'm going to get it as some time in my life. But, I have a fear of vomiting. Some people have told me that they don't vomit when they have the flu, but some people have reported vomiting as one of the symptoms. Can someone please tell me what is the actual scientific cause of vomiting with the flu, and is it avoidable? Would a stronger immune system prevent such symptoms?
 
The respiratory illness which is caused by the influenza virus - the "flu" virus - does not generally cause vomiting. The symptoms are generally confined to the chest and head. It is possible for the flu to cause coughing fits so bad they can make a person sick to his stomach, but the flu doesn't directly cause it.

The medical name for the other illness is "gastroenteritis". The symptoms are mainly confined to the lower GI tract. The common, layman's name for this is "stomach flu"; but that's an inaccurate term, because it isn't caused by the influenza virus. Gastroenteritis almost always causes vomiting, among other unpleasant symptoms.
 
Okay. It's just that I've been told by some people that they feel nausea when they get the flu. Sometimes they vomit. I've been browsing these boards and from what I've seen, a lot of people say that when they get the flu it makes them vomit. My dad has had the flu, but he said that it didn't make him vomit. It's more common amongst young children as far as I know. But I still don't know the exact reason for this. Is it something to do with the fever that accompanies the flu? Has anyone here had flu and never vomited because of it?
 
Please! I've asked a question, and I expected an answer... Can anybody tell me the exact reason why some people vomit when they get the flu. I'm not talking about the stomach flu, which is a completely different thing. I've been told by a lot of people that one of the possible symptoms of the flu is vomiting. This isn't normally severe, but it's worrying for me as I have a fear of vomiting. If you're just going to tell me that it's the body's way of getting rid of the virus then I know that you don't know what you're talking about. I'm looking for a more detailed explanation. There must be someone here who can help me. It's really making me feel depressed, considering the flu season is just around the corner. Should I get the vaccine?
 
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