While some University of Memphis students believe their illnesses could be the "stomach flu," it could possibly be another type of virus.
Headache, fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting may be symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viral gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines that are often called the "stomach flu" but is not actually caused by the influenza virus.
One U of M student said she usually drinks ginger ale or eats crackers when she feels such symptoms and uses her own remedy.
"I took two Tylenols and a teaspoon full of mustard and relaxed," said Margaret Paige, a law student.
Even though this could have worked for Paige, the best way to get rid of virus is to stay hydrated, according to the CDC.
Staying at home has been the best solution because viruses can spread quickly in university residence halls.
The virus can be spread from contact and through the touching of furniture and stairs in which germs won't die quickly.
CDC said disinfecting contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach cleaners and prompt washing of clothing can help stop the spread of this virus.
Natalie Ryan, a special education major, said there have been students at the Mynders Hall who have been ill.
"I live in Mynders and everybody is getting sick over there," Ryan said. "I thought maybe I had respiratory problems or something."
Ryan said that her symptoms lasted almost two weeks and that she looked up her symptoms on the Internet.
When looking for information on your illness, you can also go to the student health center on campus.
Jacqueline DeFouw, a health educator at The U of M health center, said washing your hands and keeping you're them out of your mouth, nose and eyes can prevent the virus from entering your body.
"Sitting at a desk or through the preparation of food without the washing of hands can spread the virus," DeFouw said.
"Hand sanitizers do help a lot...running water and friction with a minimum of 10 seconds can prevent the virus as well," she said. "Bacteria are not against viruses, so you don't have to have antibacterial soap to wash your hands."
DeFouw said there is no medicine to cure the virus but it can be killed by the body's immune system once recovered.
DeFouw said that when you get sick you become very contagious and the symptoms can last for 10 days.
"No high energy drinks. Gatorade and sport-aid drinks can help. Don't eat anything that triggers diarrhea that contain sugars."
DeFouw said that some people get food poisoning and believe that they have flu symptoms or viral gastroenteritis.
DeFouw also said that there is no vaccine yet that prevents this virus.
"The virus has a short life span but is ongoing and can be spread without symptoms," she said.
In the meantime, eating healthy foods, washing your hands frequently and staying away from crowds when ill can prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis.
"I'm drinking a lot of fluids and I'm resting a lot," Ryan said.
