Understanding Blood Test Results During Stomach Flu
Hello everyone, I'm a 19-year-old female weighing approximately 127 pounds. I’ve been experiencing symptoms associated with the stomach flu, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, muscle aches, and headaches. I’m reaching out to see if anyone can help me make sense of my lab results. Here are the key findings from my blood work: - White blood cell count (WBC) is within the normal range. - Red blood cell count (RBC) is slightly elevated, but not alarmingly so. - Neutrophils are high. - Lymphocytes are low. - C-reactive protein (CRP) is mildly elevated at 1.48 mg/dL. I would like to know if these results are typical for someone suffering from stomach flu. My doctor did not provide much explanation and didn't seem overly worried about the results. Any insight would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
9/2/2025, 10:30:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your blood test results can offer some insights, but it’s important to understand that they need to be interpreted in the context of your symptoms. Here's a brief overview of your lab findings in relation to stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis):
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC): Normal levels suggest that there is no significant bacterial infection.
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): A slight elevation can happen during illness due to dehydration or stress on the body.
- Neutrophils Raised: This can indicate a response to infection or inflammation; however, in viral infections, we often do not see very high neutrophil levels.
- Lymphocytes Low: Typically, lymphocytes are involved in fighting viral infections. A low count might suggest your body is responding to the illness, but this alone isn’t cause for alarm.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP): Mildly elevated can indicate inflammation in the body, which is common with infections.
Explanation:
Your results show signs of your body reacting to an infection, which aligns with your stomach flu symptoms. Viral gastroenteritis may not consistently produce dramatic changes in blood work, especially when compared to bacterial infections.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Focus on staying hydrated, as dehydration is common with stomach flu due to diarrhea. Drink clear fluids like water, broth, or rehydration solutions.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If you notice a worsening state, particularly if you develop a high fever, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or dry mouth), that would warrant immediate attention.
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Rest: Make sure to get plenty of rest to support your recovery process.
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Diet: Gradually return to a bland diet (like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) as your symptoms improve, avoiding dairy and fatty foods initially.
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Follow-Up: If you feel uncertain or your symptoms persist beyond a few days, consider reaching out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation or clarification.
Remember, while your results indicate an ongoing response to an infection, they are generally consistent with your symptoms and do not seem alarming. Take care, and focus on recovery! Let me know if you have further questions.
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