Understanding the Stages of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer staging helps doctors determine the best treatment and predict the likely outcome. It uses the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)'s TNM system, which assesses tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
Staging differs among the main types of thyroid cancer, including medullary, follicular, papillary, and anaplastic.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is aggressive and is always stage IV. Early stage cancers generally have better treatment outcomes and survival rates.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 43,800 people in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer by the end of 2022. Women are affected three times more often than men.
Doctors stage thyroid cancer from stage I to stage IV depending on how far along your cancer has progressed. Different staging systems are used for different types of thyroid cancer.
Keep reading to learn more about how the most common types of thyroid cancer are staged.
How is the staging for thyroid cancer determined?
Thyroid cancer is most often staged using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging system. This staging system considers:
T: How big the tumor is and whether it has spread to nearby tissues.
N: Whether the cancer has spread into nearby lymph nodes.
M: Whether the cancer has metastasized, meaning spread to distant tissues.
The AJCC staging system differs depending on which type of thyroid cancer you have. The four main types are:
Medullary thyroid cancer: Develops in special cells called C cells that produce the hormone calcitonin.
Follicular thyroid cancer: A usually slow-growing cancer that develops in follicular cells. These cells produce and secrete triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Papillary thyroid cancer: Develops in follicular cells and makes up 80% to 85% of thyroid cancers. It generally has the best outlook.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Makes up less than 2% of thyroid cancers but is the most aggressive type. It develops in follicular cells.
Knowing which stage you're in helps doctors figure out what the best treatment option may be. It can also give you and your healthcare team the best idea of what to expect in terms of life expectancy and chances of being cured.
Staging for medullary thyroid cancer
The overall 5-year relative survival rate for medullary thyroid cancer is nearly 100% if it's limited to your thyroid and 89% for all stages combined. The 5-year relative survival rate is a measure of how many people with the cancer are alive 5 years later compared to people without the cancer.
Here's a look at the AJCC's TNM system for medullary thyroid cancer:
Stage TNM groups Description
I T1
N0
M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and only found in the thyroid.
N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: It has not spread to distant body parts.
II T2
N0
M0 T2: The cancer is bigger than 0.8 inches but smaller than 1.6 inches across. It's only found in the thyroid.
N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: It has not spread to distant body parts.
OR
II T3
N0
M0 T3: The cancer is larger than 1.6 inches across and is limited to the thyroid or has grown outside the thyroid but hasn't spread to nearby tissues.
N0: It has not spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: It has not spread to distant body parts.
III T1, T2, or T3
N1a
M0 T1 to T3: The cancer can be any size but hasn't invaded tissues around your thyroid.
N1a: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in your neck.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to any distant body parts.
IVA T4a
Any N
M0 T4a: The cancer is any size and has grown into nearby tissues such as your windpipe or voice box.
Any N: It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: It hasn't spread to distant body parts.
OR
IVA T1, T2, or T3
N1b
M0 T1 to T3: The cancer is any size and may have grown outside the thyroid. It hasn't grown into any nearby structures.
N1b: The cancer has spread to lymph nodes in your neck.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant body parts.
IVB T4b
Any N
M0 T4b: The cancer is any size and has either grown toward your spine or into major blood vessels nearby.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant body parts.
IVC Any T
Any N
M1 Any T: The cancer is any size and may have grown into nearby structures.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into lymph nodes.
M1: The cancer has spread into distant areas such as your liver, brain, or bone.
Staging for differentiated (papillary and follicular) thyroid cancer
Staging for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer depends on whether you're over or under the age of 55. The overall 5-year relative survival rate for people with papillary thyroid cancer is nearly 100% and about 98% for follicular cancer.
Stage Age of diagnos is TNM groups Description
I younger than 55 years Any T
Any N
M0 Any T: The cancer is any size.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to lymph nodes.
MO: It hasn't spread to distant areas.
OR
I 55 years or older T1
N0 or NX
M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and is only found in your thyroid gland.
N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there isn't enough information to assess if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas.
OR
I 55 years or older T2
N0 or NX
M0 T2: The cancer is larger than 0.8 inches across but smaller than 1.6 inches. It's limited to your thyroid.
N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there isn't enough information to assess if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas.
II younger than 55 years Any T
Any N
M1 Any T: The cancer is any size.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M1: The cancer has spread to distant body parts like your bone or internal organs.
OR
II 55 years or older T1
N1
M0 T1: The cancer is smaller than 0.8 inches across and limited to the thyroid.
N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant areas.
OR
II 55 years or older T2
N1
M0 T2: The cancer is larger than 0.8 inches across but smaller than 1.6 inches. It's limited to your thyroid.
N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby areas.
OR
II 55 years or older T3a or T3b
Any N
M0 T3a or T3b: The cancer is larger than 1.6 inches across but limited to the thyroid or the muscles that support your thyroid.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant sites.
III 55 years or older T4a
Any N
M0 T4a: The cancer is any size and has grown beyond your thyroid into surrounding tissues such as your voice box or windpipe.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer hasn't spread to distant sites.
IVA 55 years or older T4b
Any N
M0 T4b: The cancer has spread extensively beyond your thyroid toward your spine or into large blood vessels in the surrounding area.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant locations.
IVB 55 years or older Any T
Any N
M1 Any T: The cancer is any size.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M1: The cancer has spread to distant parts of your body.
Staging for undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid cancer
Anaplastic cancer has the poorest outlook of any thyroid cancer. Its 5-year relative survival rate is 7%. All anaplastic cancers are considered to be stage IV. It's divided into substages depending on its features.
Stage Stage grouping Description
IVA T1, T2 or T3a
N0 or NX
M0 T1, T2, or T3a: The cancer can be any size as long as it's contained to your thyroid.
N0 or NX: The cancer hasn't spread to nearby lymph nodes or there's not enough information to know if it has.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body.
IVB T1, T2 or T3a
N1
M0 T1, T2, or T3a: The cancer can be any size as long as it's contained to your thyroid.
N1: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body.
OR
IVB T3b
Any N
M0 T3b: The cancer is any size and has grown into the muscles that support your thyroid.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread into nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body.
OR
T4
Any N
M0 T4: The cancer has grown beyond the thyroid gland and into nearby tissue such as your voice box or windpipe. It also may have grown toward your spine or large blood vessels nearby.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M0: The cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body.
IVC Any T
Any N
M1 Any T: The cancer can be any size.
Any N: The cancer may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
M1: The cancer has spread into distant body parts such as your bones or internal organs.
Takeaway
Thyroid cancer is broken into stages depending on how far the cancer has progressed. The AJCC's TNM staging for papillary or follicular thyroid cancer also considers your age.
Cancers in early stages are considered easier to treat and have a better outlook. Due to the aggressive nature of anaplastic thyroid cancer, it's always considered stage IV.
Knowing what stage of cancer you're in helps doctors understand how to best manage your cancer. It can also give you an idea of your chances of survival. Survival statistics are often based on old data, so your chances of survival might be better than statistics suggest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Health Line
an hour ago
- Health Line
Constipation and Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can lead to a variety of digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, and diarrhea. For many people, CKD can also lead to constipation. There are a few different reasons why constipation can occur with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common reasons include: a lack of fiber in diets intended for people with CKD fluid restrictions for people with later-stage CKD co-occurring or secondary conditions medication side effects Treatments, which include lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber and increasing exercise levels, can often help relieve symptoms. This article examines the causes and treatment of constipation in people with CKD and reviews the early symptoms of kidney disease and kidney failure. Constipation isn't typically a symptom of kidney failure. What causes constipation with chronic kidney disease? CKD can lead to constipation for some people. Common causes of constipation for people with kidney disease include: Renal diets It can be difficult enough for people eating a standard American diet to get the fiber they need. People who are on a renal diet are limited in their food choices, and many foods that are high in fiber have traditionally been excluded. However, newer recommendations for people with chronic kidney disease are less strict about fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, meaning it's safe to add these foods to a renal diet. Co-occurring conditions Many of the conditions that commonly occur alongside kidney disease, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypercalcemia, can slow down your digestive system. A slow digestive system can lead to constipation. Bacterial imbalance in the gut A bacterial imbalance in the gut, called dysbiosis, can occur when your kidney isn't working correctly. It happens because your kidneys aren't filtering bacteria. This leads to an abnormal mix of bacteria in your intestines, which can cause constipation. Medication reactions People with kidney disease may develop secondary conditions such as gout, anemia, or bone disease. Some of the medications prescribed for these secondary conditions, including blood pressure medications, iron supplements, anti-nausea medications, and calcium supplements, can cause constipation in some people. Fluid restrictions People with later-stage kidney disease may need to restrict their fluid intake, especially those undergoing dialysis. This can make it challenging to get enough hydration to avoid constipation. What's the best way to treat constipation with chronic kidney disease? Treating constipation depends on several factors, but lifestyle and diet changes can often help resolve the condition. Doctors typically recommend starting with lifestyle changes before progressing to medication. Lifestyle treatments that can help people with chronic kidney disease get relief from constipation include: Eating more fiber: Getting enough fiber in your diet is one of the best ways to combat constipation. Fiber helps carry waste through your system. It's found in a variety of foods, including whole grains, nuts, lentils, beans, oats, apples, pears, and vegetables. Increasing your activity: Fitness combats constipation. Exercise helps your blood flow and helps food move through your digestive system. You can start small; even walking a little every day will make a difference. Increasing fluids: Fluids are one of the best ways to beat constipation. People with chronic kidney disease can talk with their doctors about the best way to get enough fluid to keep their digestive systems moving. Try probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms that are found in fermented food that can help relieve constipation. Fermented foods included options such as yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kimchi, tempeh, natto, and homemade pickles. Ask your doctor or dietitian about the right amount of these foods to add to your diet. Relieve symptoms with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication: If your symptoms are severe and haven't been relieved by methods such as hydration or fiber, an OTC medication can help. However, it's important not to take these medications for longer thana few days. OTC options include stool softeners, stimulant laxatives, and fiber supplements. Prescription-strength medications: Your doctor might prescribe prescription versions of any medication if lifestyle changes aren't enough. Biofeedback therapy: Biofeedback therapy is a treatment that retrains the muscles that control bowel movements. How does constipation affect the outlook for people with chronic kidney disease? Constipation can affect the quality of life and outlook for people with CKD. A 2019 study found that constipation can increase the chances of mortality and was linked to a higher risk of serious complications such as end stage renal disease, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease. The study also found that constipation in people with CKD led to a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease and stroke. Is constipation an early warning sign of kidney disease? Constipation isn't typically an early sign of kidney disease. It's more common for kidney disease to cause early symptoms such as: fatigue difficulty concentrating anemia loss of appetite insomnia unexplained muscle cramping sleep apnea red or pink urine urine that appears foamy frequent urinary urges skin that is dry and itchy puffiness around the eyes swollen feet and ankles For people with CKD, what are the symptoms of kidney failure? As kidney disease progresses, it can cause increased symptoms. Some symptoms are similar to early symptoms but are more severe. Other symptoms are unlikely to show up until chronic kidney disease has progressed to kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include: fever fatigue confusion skin rash itchy skin very pale skin weakness unexplained muscle cramping bone pain no urine production or excessive urine production unusual bleeding nose bleeding back pain stomach pain a mass in the stomach diarrhea that is sometimes bloody loss of appetite bad breath a metallic taste in the mouth vomiting that is sometimes severe swelling throughout the body difficulty hearing Takeaway Chronic kidney disease doesn't always cause constipation, but there are a number of reasons why it does for many people with CKD. Renal diets, fluid restrictions, medications, co-occurring disorders, and more can all lead to constipation. Treatment can bring relief and often includes lifestyle changes such as eating more fiber, getting more exercise, and increasing fluids. When these methods aren't enough, medications, biofeedback, and surgery can be options.
Health Line
5 hours ago
- Health Line
Why Are My Veins Suddenly So Visible?
In most cases, visible veins aren't a cause for concern. Exercise, hot weather, sun exposure, and tight clothing can make your veins more noticeable. Aging, genetics, and being overweight may also increase their definition. Veins are blood vessels that bring deoxygenated blood back to the heart. They're different from arteries, which bring oxygenated blood from your heart to your body. If you have a lighter skin tone, it may be more common to have some visible veins. However, certain things can make your veins look even more obvious in terms of color and size. It might be more difficult to see the color of your veins if you have a darker skin tone. But if they become more visible, their size might be more noticeable. Most causes of visible veins are temporary and not serious. Some causes, like blood clots, are medical emergencies. Learn about the possible reasons of suddenly visible veins, along with treatment options and when you should see a medical care professional. What causes veins to be more visible quickly? Possible causes of visible veins include: Exercise During exercise, your blood pressure increases. This can widen your veins, making them look more obvious. Also, when your muscles contract during exercise, they place pressure on surrounding veins. This is especially common during lifting. Tight clothing Tight clothing can restrict blood flow. In turn, the blood pressure in your veins can increase, making them more visible. This often happens in the waist, thighs, and legs. Weather Hot weather also increases blood flow in the veins, enhancing their definition. Sun exposure Collagen is a protein that gives structure to your skin. Excess sun exposure can break down collagen beneath the skin, making your veins more noticeable. Sitting or standing for a long time When you sit or stand for a long time, gravity causes blood to pool in your legs. As a result, blood pressure increases in the leg veins and increases their definition. Skin color If you have a fair complexion, the color of your veins might be more visible. Your weight Being overweight or having obesity places pressure on your veins. The excess pressure can enhance vein definition, especially in the legs. Genetics Sometimes, visible veins run in families. If you have a family history of visible veins or conditions that affect the wall of your veins, you might be more likely to have it, too. Hormonal changes Hormonal changes can also alter the appearance of your veins. This includes: puberty menstruation pregnancy birth control pills menopausal hormone therapy Specifically, during pregnancy, a fetus places pressure on the veins in the pelvis area. This can increase pressure in the veins of your thighs, buttocks, and legs. Age As you get older, your skin makes less collagen, resulting in thin skin. Your body also loses fatty tissue. These changes can make your veins easier to see. Drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes Drinking alcohol can make visible veins even more noticeable. Alcohol raises your heart rate, placing extra pressure on your veins. Cigarette smoking injures the walls of your veins, making them bulge and be more visible. Additionally, prolonged smoking can thin the skin, making veins more visible. Underlying medical condition that causes swollen veins Certain medical conditions can cause swollen veins. Varicose veins: Varicose veins happen when groups of purple veins become chronically swollen. It can be worsened by many things on this list, like drinking alcohol and prolonged standing. Chronic venous insufficiency: Chronic venous insufficiency is when the valves in your veins don't allow for proper blood flow. This causes blood to collect in your legs. Superficial thrombophlebitis: This condition occurs when a vein near the skin is inflamed and swollen. It can be caused by a superficial blood clot, trauma, cancer and some cancer treatments, or prolonged sitting. Straining on the toilet Straining to pass stool can increase pressure on veins in the rectum and may cause hemorrhoids, which are in essence a type of varicose veins. Chronic constipation can also place pressure in the abdominal area, which increases pressure on nearby veins. Blood clot A blood clot in a vein can cause a condition called deep vein thrombosis, which often affects the legs. The blood clot can block blood flow in the vein, increasing blood pressure. The vein may look more noticeable. Medical emergency If the blood clot breaks loose, it can travel to your lungs and cause a blockage known as pulmonary embolism. Call 911 or your local emergency services if you have: hard, swollen veins pain or swelling in one leg warm skin on the painful leg darkened or red skin on the affected leg Why are my veins so visible in my hands? Possible causes of suddenly swollen veins in the hands include: letting your hand hang below the level of your heart exercise hot weather sun exposure light skin color aging hormonal changes, including pregnancy genetics underlying conditions that cause swollen veins blood clot in the hands or arms Why are my veins so visible on my chest? On your chest, veins may become suddenly visible due to: exercise hot weather sun exposure wearing tight clothing light skin color aging hormonal changes, including pregnancy breastfeeding genetics underlying conditions that cause swollen veins What causes veins to become more visible in children In children, visible veins might be due to: exercise hot weather sun exposure wearing tight clothing being overweight or having obesity light skin color hormonal changes (puberty) genetics Other possible causes, which can also affect adults, include: Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a condition that affects connective tissue growth. It can cause spider veins, along with scarring and sores. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome: This is a rare congenital disorder that causes varicose veins in a limb. The affected limb may also be enlarged or shorter than usual. Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: This connective tissue disorder causes thin skin, making veins more visible. However, this might be harder to see in children with darker skin tones. If you're concerned about the appearance of your child's veins, see their doctor. When to see a doctor with veins suddenly visible? If your veins are visible for a long time and you're not sure why, see a doctor. You should also seek medical help if you have: visible veins that cause pain veins that feel warm skin rash, sores, or discoloration on your legs a bleeding vein difficulty moving or doing daily activities »FIND CARE: Find a primary care physician near you today. Treating visible veins If your veins are visible due to a non-medical cause, treatment involves lifestyle changes. Here's what you should do if visible veins are caused by: Exercise: Take a break and rest. Hot weather or sun exposure: Find shade to cool down. Tight clothing: Change into looser clothing. Prolonged sitting or standing: Change your position to avoid sitting or standing too long. Being overweight or having obesity: Work with a doctor to create a weight loss plan. Treatments for medical causes include: Compression stockings Compression stockings can help improve blood flow in your legs. This option is usually recommended for mildly visible veins. Anti-coagulant medication If your visible veins are due to deep vein thrombosis, you may need to take anti-coagulant drugs, or blood thinners. A doctor might give you an injection, oral tablets, or both. Nonsurgical treatments Nonsurgical procedures may include: Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy involves injecting a chemical into your veins. This seals the vein and turns it into scar tissue, causing the vein to fade. Closure system: In this treatment, a sticky substance is injected into the visible vein. The substance closes the vein and prevents blood flow, helping the vein look less noticeable. Percutaneous laser treatment: This nonsurgical treatment uses lasers, or intense bursts of light. The laser travels through the skin and closes the vein, making it fade. Endovenous thermal therapy: In this procedure, a small probe is inserted into the vein. The probe closes the vein with heat, then seals it with laser or radio waves. Surgery Surgery might be required for very large veins. Options include: Ambulatory phlebectomy: A medical professional will remove veins just under the skin with hooks. Surgical ligation and stripping: This surgery involves cutting off the affected vein, then removing it through small incisions made in the skin.
Health Line
5 hours ago
- Health Line
Recognizing Flu Symptoms
Key takeaways Typical flu symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, loss of appetite, headache, cough, sore throat, and a runny or stuffy nose, usually lasting one to two weeks, though a cough and fatigue may linger. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or constant vomiting; infants and children may exhibit additional emergency signs such as irregular breathing or a blue tint to the skin. Prevent the flu by getting an annual vaccination, avoiding contact with sick individuals, practicing frequent handwashing, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. The flu's common symptoms of fever, body aches, and fatigue can leave many confined to bed until they get better. Flu symptoms will show up anywhere from one to four days after infection. They often appear suddenly and can be quite severe. Luckily, symptoms generally go away within one to two weeks. In some people, especially those at high risk, the flu may lead to complications that are more serious. Inflammation in the small lung airways with infection, known as pneumonia, is a serious flu-related complication. Pneumonia can be life threatening in high-risk individuals or if left untreated. Common flu symptoms The most common symptoms of the flu are: fever over 100.4˚F (38˚C) chills fatigue body and muscle aches loss of appetite headache dry cough sore throat runny or stuffy nose While most symptoms will taper off one to two weeks after onset, a dry cough and general fatigue can last several more weeks. Other possible symptoms of the flu include dizziness, sneezing, and wheezing. Nausea and vomiting are not common symptoms in adults, but they sometimes occur in children. Emergency flu symptoms Individuals at high risk for flu complications include those who: are under 5 years old (especially those younger than 2 years old) are 18 years old or younger and taking medications containing aspirin or salicylate are 65 years old or older are pregnant or up to two weeks postpartum have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 have Native American (American Indian or Alaska Native) ancestry live in nursing homes or chronic care facilities People who have weakened immune systems due to health conditions or the use of certain medications are also at a high risk. People at high risk for flu complications should contact their doctor if they experience any flu symptoms at all. This is especially true if you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or COPD. Older adults and those with compromised immune systems might experience: breathing difficulties bluish skin severely sore throat high fever extreme fatigue Severe symptoms You should contact your doctor as soon as possible if flu symptoms: worsen last more than two weeks cause you worry or concern include a painful earache or fever over 103˚F (39.4˚C) When adults should seek emergency care According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should seek immediate emergency treatment if they experience any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath chest or abdomen pain or pressure dizziness that is sudden or severe fainting confusion vomiting that is severe or constant symptoms that disappear and then reappear with a worsened cough and fever When to seek emergency care for infants and children According to the CDC, you should seek medical care immediately if your infant or child has any of the following symptoms: irregular breathing, such as difficulties breathing or rapid breathing blue tint to skin not drinking an adequate amount of fluids difficulty waking up, listlessness crying that gets worse when the child is picked up no tears when crying flu symptoms that disappear but then reappear with a fever and a worsened cough fever with a rash loss of appetite or an inability to eat decreased amount of wet diapers Pneumonia symptoms Pneumonia is a common complication of the flu. This is especially true for certain high-risk groups, including people over 65, young children, and people with already weakened immune systems. Visit an emergency room immediately if you have symptoms of pneumonia, including: a severe cough with large amounts of phlegm difficulty breathing or shortness of breath fever higher than 102˚F (39˚C) that persists, especially if accompanied by chills or sweating acute chest pains severe chills or sweating Untreated pneumonia can lead to serious complications and even death. This is especially true in older adults, tobacco smokers, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia is particularly threatening to people with chronic heart or lung conditions. Stomach flu An illness commonly known as the ' stomach flu ' refers to viral gastroenteritis (GE), which involves inflammation of the stomach lining. However, stomach flu is caused by viruses other than influenza viruses, so the flu vaccine will not prevent stomach flu. In general, gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as noninfectious causes. Common symptoms of viral GE include mild fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. On the other hand, the influenza virus doesn't typically cause nausea or diarrhea, except sometimes in small children. It's important to know the difference between the symptoms of regular flu and the stomach flu so you can get proper treatment. Young children, the elderly, and those with poor immune system function are at higher risk for complications related to untreated viral GE. These complications can include severe dehydration and sometimes death. Treating the flu Unlike bacterial infections, the influenza virus is best treated with bedrest. Most people feel better after a few days. Fluids, such as the following, are also helpful in treating symptoms of the flu: water herbal tea brothy soups natural fruit juices In some cases, your doctor might prescribe an antiviral medication. Antiviral drugs don't get rid of the flu entirely, as they do not kill the virus, but they may shorten the course of the virus. The medications may also help prevent complications such as pneumonia. Common antiviral prescriptions include: zanamivir (Relenza) oseltamivir (Tamiflu) peramivir (Rapivab) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a new medication called baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza) in October of 2018. Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms in order to be effective. If they're taken during this time period, they can help shorten the length of the flu. Prescription medications for the flu are generally offered to those who may be at risk for complications. These drugs can carry the risk of side effects, such as nausea, delirium, and seizures. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications for pain and fever relief, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Preventing the flu The best way to avoid flu symptoms is to prevent the spread of the virus in the first place. Anyone 6 months of age and older should get an annual flu vaccination. Flu shots are also recommended for pregnant women. While not completely foolproof, the flu vaccine can significantly decrease your risk for catching the flu. You can also prevent getting and spreading the flu by: avoiding contact with others who are sick staying away from crowds, especially at peak flu season washing your hands frequently avoid touching your mouth and face, or eating foods before washing your hands covering your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue if you need to sneeze or cough Outlook
