What are the common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. How is stomach flu transmitted. What are the most effective treatments for viral gastroenteritis. Who is at higher risk of contracting stomach flu. How can you prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis.

Understanding Viral Gastroenteritis: The Stomach Flu

Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as the stomach flu, is an inflammation of the intestines caused by various viruses. This highly contagious illness can spread rapidly through close contact with infected individuals or via contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Despite its name, it’s not related to influenza.

The most common culprits behind viral gastroenteritis are norovirus and rotavirus. These pathogens can quickly proliferate in crowded environments such as schools, childcare facilities, nursing homes, and cruise ships. Understanding the nature of this illness is crucial for effective prevention and management.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Stomach Flu

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis typically appear within 12 to 48 hours after infection, though some viruses like adenovirus may have a longer incubation period of 3 to 10 days. The onset is often sudden, with symptoms developing over 1-2 hours.

Common symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea (more than 3 times per day)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Fever or chills
• Headache, muscle aches, or joint pain
• Loss of appetite
• Sweating or clammy skin

Is bloody diarrhea a symptom of viral gastroenteritis? Typically, diarrhea caused by stomach flu is not bloody. The presence of blood in stool may indicate a more severe infection and requires immediate medical attention.

The Viral Culprits Behind Gastroenteritis

Several viruses can trigger gastroenteritis, each with its unique characteristics:

Norovirus

Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. It’s highly contagious and can affect people of all ages. In the United States, norovirus outbreaks are most common between November and April.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus primarily affects infants and young children. It’s typically contracted and transmitted orally. Symptoms often include severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain.

Adenovirus

Adenoviruses can cause respiratory infections as well as gastroenteritis. They’re more common in children under 2 years old but can affect people of all ages.

Astrovirus

Astroviruses are less common but can still cause outbreaks of gastroenteritis, particularly in institutional settings like schools and nursing homes.

Transmission and Risk Factors for Stomach Flu

How does viral gastroenteritis spread? The virus can be transmitted through various means:

• Consuming contaminated food or water
• Close contact with infected individuals
• Sharing utensils or personal items with someone who has the virus
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Poor hand hygiene, especially among food handlers

Certain factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis:

1. Age: Children under 5 and older adults are more susceptible
2. Compromised immune system
3. Frequent exposure to group settings
4. Malnutrition, particularly low levels of vitamin A or zinc
5. Recent travel to developing countries
6. Use of antibiotics or antacids
7. Engaging in anal intercourse

Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Gastroenteritis

How is stomach flu diagnosed? In most cases, doctors can diagnose viral gastroenteritis based on symptoms and a physical examination. Laboratory tests of stool samples may be conducted in severe cases or during outbreaks to identify the specific virus.

What are the treatment options for viral gastroenteritis? Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications:

• Rest and hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids is crucial to prevent dehydration
• Oral rehydration solutions: These help replace lost electrolytes
• Gradual reintroduction of food: Start with bland, easily digestible foods
• Over-the-counter medications: Antidiarrheal medications may provide relief, but should be used with caution
• Probiotics: These may help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut

Are antibiotics effective against viral gastroenteritis? Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and are not recommended for treating viral gastroenteritis unless there’s a bacterial co-infection.

Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu

Can viral gastroenteritis be prevented? While it’s not always possible to avoid exposure, several measures can reduce the risk of infection:

• Frequent and thorough handwashing, especially before handling food and after using the bathroom
• Proper food handling and storage practices
• Disinfecting surfaces, especially in bathrooms and kitchens
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Staying home when sick to prevent spreading the virus

Is there a vaccine for viral gastroenteritis? While there’s no universal vaccine for all types of viral gastroenteritis, rotavirus vaccines are available and recommended for infants.

Complications and When to Seek Medical Help

While most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own, complications can occur, particularly in vulnerable populations. The most significant risk is dehydration, which can be life-threatening if left untreated.

When should you seek medical attention for stomach flu? Watch for these warning signs:

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days without improvement
• Blood in stool
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness)
• Fever above 102°F (39°C)
• Severe abdominal pain

For infants and young children, additional red flags include:

• Sunken eyes or fontanel (soft spot on the head)
• Lack of tears when crying
• Excessive sleepiness or irritability
• Dry diapers for several hours

Living with Viral Gastroenteritis: Recovery and Long-term Effects

How long does it take to recover from stomach flu? Most people start feeling better within 1-3 days, though symptoms can persist for up to two weeks in some cases. During recovery, it’s essential to:

• Continue hydrating even after symptoms subside
• Gradually reintroduce solid foods, starting with bland, easily digestible options
• Get plenty of rest to support the body’s healing process
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods until fully recovered

Are there any long-term effects of viral gastroenteritis? In most cases, viral gastroenteritis doesn’t cause long-term complications. However, some individuals may experience temporary lactose intolerance for a few weeks after recovery. In rare cases, particularly with certain strains of E. coli, more serious complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome can occur.

Can you develop immunity to stomach flu? While you may develop short-term immunity to the specific virus that caused your illness, this doesn’t protect against other strains or types of gastroenteritis-causing viruses. This is why it’s possible to get stomach flu multiple times.

Special Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Certain populations require extra care and attention when it comes to viral gastroenteritis:

Infants and Young Children

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. They may need oral rehydration solutions specifically formulated for pediatric use. In severe cases, hospitalization for intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Older Adults

Elderly individuals, especially those in nursing homes, are at higher risk of severe dehydration and other complications. They may require closer monitoring and more aggressive hydration strategies.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV, may experience more severe and prolonged symptoms. They should seek medical attention promptly if they develop gastroenteritis.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women need to be particularly cautious about dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. They should consult their healthcare provider if they develop severe symptoms of gastroenteritis.

How can high-risk individuals protect themselves from stomach flu? In addition to general preventive measures, high-risk groups should:

• Be extra vigilant about hand hygiene
• Avoid close contact with individuals known to be ill
• Consider wearing masks in crowded public spaces during outbreaks
• Ensure all food is thoroughly cooked and water is from a safe source
• Stay up-to-date with recommended vaccinations, including rotavirus vaccines for infants

The Global Impact of Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is a significant public health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrheal diseases, including viral gastroenteritis, are the second leading cause of death in children under five years old globally.

How does viral gastroenteritis affect different regions of the world? The impact varies significantly:

• In developed countries, viral gastroenteritis is usually a self-limiting illness with low mortality rates, but it can cause significant economic burden due to healthcare costs and lost productivity.
• In developing countries, lack of access to clean water, proper sanitation, and adequate healthcare can lead to more severe outcomes, including higher mortality rates, particularly among children.

What efforts are being made to combat viral gastroenteritis globally? Several initiatives are underway:

1. Vaccination programs: The WHO recommends including rotavirus vaccines in national immunization programs.
2. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs: These aim to improve access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
3. Public health education: Efforts to increase awareness about proper hygiene practices and food safety.
4. Research and development: Ongoing studies to develop new treatments and vaccines for various gastroenteritis-causing viruses.

By understanding the global impact of viral gastroenteritis, we can better appreciate the importance of prevention and treatment efforts, both in our local communities and on a global scale.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment

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Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

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Was this helpful?

Viral gastroenteritis can cause nausea and vomiting. You can get the virus that causes it from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Washing your hands often may help prevent it.

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of a number of viruses, most commonly norovirus or rotavirus. This illness is also known as the stomach flu.

This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who have the virus or through contaminated food or water.

It can easily spread in close quarters, such as:

• childcare facilities
• schools
• nursing homes
• cruise ships

This article will help you understand more about viral gastroenteritis including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin shortly after infection. For example, symptoms caused by norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms from adenoviruses may be delayed 3 to 10 days after contact.

Depending on which type of virus you’ve contracted, symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Symptoms often start suddenly over the course of 1 or 2 hours.

Symptoms can include:

• loose, watery diarrhea more than 3 times per day
• fever or chills
• nausea and vomiting
• headache, muscle aches, or joint aches
• sweating or clammy skin
• abdominal cramps and pain
• loss of appetite

Diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis isn’t usually bloody. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection.

You should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• diarrhea has lasted for 2 days or more without getting less frequent
• your infant develops diarrhea
• blood is present in your diarrhea
• you show or see signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or dizziness

In addition to the above symptoms, you should seek emergency attention for your child if they have the appearance of sunken eyes or if they aren’t making tears when they cry.

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a number of different viruses. It’s easy for these viruses to spread in group situations. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:

• eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• being in close contact with someone who has the virus
• sharing utensils or other items with someone who has the virus
• touching contaminated surfaces
• not washing hands properly, especially food handlers

Viral gastroenteritis affects people of all ages all over the world. But some factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis. People who are at a higher risk include:

• children under the age of 5
• older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• people with a compromised or weakened immune system
• those who are often in group settings, such as schools, dormitories, day care, religious gatherings, and other indoor group settings

Other factors that may increase the risk of becoming ill with viral gastroenteritis include:

• being malnourished, especially low levels of vitamin A or zinc
• recent travel to developing countries
• antibiotic or antacid use
• anal intercourse

Several different types of viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

Let’s look at each of these viruses in more detail.

Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, or by people who have the virus. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces.

Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.

Symptoms include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• fever
• body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who become ill with norovirus start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of symptom onset.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. Those who contract it can then pass the virus to other children and adults. It’s usually contracted and transmitted via the mouth.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 days of infection and include:

• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• watery diarrhea that lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 days

A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in 2006. Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children.

Adenovirus

The adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several types of illness, including gastroenteritis. The adenovirus can also cause common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Children in daycare, especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to get adenovirus.

Adenovirus is passed through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.

Symptoms associated with adenovirus include:

• sore throat
• pink eye
• fever
• coughing
• runny nose

Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may last longer than a few days.

Astrovirus

Astrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• mild dehydration
• stomach pain

The virus most often affects people in late winter and early spring. It’s transmitted through contact with a person who has the virus or via an infected surface or food.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within 1 to 4 days.

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Viral gastroenteritis accounts for over 200,000 childhood deaths worldwide per year.

Other complications of viral gastroenteritis include:

• nutritional imbalances
• body weakness or fatigue
• muscle weakness

Dehydration can be life threatening. Call your doctor if you or your child have these symptoms:

• diarrhea lasting more than a few days
• blood in the stool
• confusion or lethargy
• dizziness or feeling like you’re going to faint
• nausea
• dry mouth
• an inability to produce tears
• no urine for more than 8 hours or urine that is dark yellow or brown
• sunken eyes
• sunken fontanel on an infant’s head

Dehydration that accompanies viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:

• brain swelling
• coma
• hypovolemic shock, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid or blood
• kidney failure
• seizures

To prevent complications, get immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.

Most of the time, your medical history and physical exam are the basis for diagnosis, especially if there’s evidence that the virus is spreading through your community.

Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus, or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection.

The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS), such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases. These solutions are easy on your child’s stomach, and contain a balanced mixture of water and salts to replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.

These solutions are available at local pharmacies and don’t require a prescription. However, you should follow the instructions carefully.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.

Treating diarrhea and vomiting

Diarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that’s lost during diarrhea or they may prescribe medications to treat severe vomiting.

What to eat and what to avoid

As you start to feel better and reintroduce foods into your diet, it’s best to opt for bland foods, such as:

• rice
• potatoes
• toast
• bananas
• applesauce

These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. Until you’re feeling better, you may want to avoid some types of foods, such as:

• fatty or fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• sugary foods
• dairy products

Self-care steps

If you have viral gastroenteritis, consider these self-care measures to help ease your symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Drink extra fluids with and between meals. If you have difficulty, try drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice chips.
• Avoid fruit juices. These don’t replace the minerals that you’ve lost and can actually increase diarrhea.
• Electrolytes. Children and adults can consume sports drinks to replenish electrolytes. Younger children and infants should use products formulated for children, such as OHS.
• Limit portion sizes. Try to eat food in smaller amounts to help your stomach recover.
• Get lots of rest. Prioritize getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Don’t exert yourself until you feel that you have your usual level of energy and strength.
• Medications. Check with your doctor before taking medications or giving them to children. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness. This can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition.

Was this helpful?

In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

Heating pad or heat pack

If you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Cover the heating pad with a cloth and don’t leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.

The heat can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and keep them from spasming.

Shop online for heating pads and heat packs.

Brown rice water

Some parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. It’s high in electrolytes and can help with rehydration.

To make rice water:

1. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes until the water becomes cloudy.
2. Strain the rice and keep the water.
3. Cool the rice water before serving.

Ginger

Products containing ginger, such as ginger ale or ginger tea, may help soothe an upset stomach.

A 2019 review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea. More research needs to be done on ginger’s ability to treat other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea.

Mint

Mint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better.

Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shop online for mint tea.

Yogurt or kefir

Although dairy products should be avoided when you have your most acute symptoms, eating unflavored yogurt with live active cultures or drinking kefir may help restore your body’s natural bacterial balance after illness.

Shop online for plain yogurt and kefir.

Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others.

Prevention tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before food preparation. If necessary, use hand sanitizer until you can access soap and water.
• Don’t share kitchen utensils, plates, or towels if someone in your household is sick.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Take special precautions to avoid contaminated water and food when traveling. Avoid ice cubes and use bottled water whenever possible.
• Ask your doctor if you should have your infant vaccinated against rotavirus. There are two vaccines, and they’re generally started around 2 months old.

Was this helpful?

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces.

Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

It’s also a good idea to get medical attention if your infant or young child develops diarrhea because it can lead to serious complications due to dehydration.

Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu): Symptoms and Treatment

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

• Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
• Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
• Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Read more about our vetting process.

Was this helpful?

Viral gastroenteritis can cause nausea and vomiting. You can get the virus that causes it from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Washing your hands often may help prevent it.

Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of a number of viruses, most commonly norovirus or rotavirus. This illness is also known as the stomach flu.

This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who have the virus or through contaminated food or water.

It can easily spread in close quarters, such as:

• childcare facilities
• schools
• nursing homes
• cruise ships

This article will help you understand more about viral gastroenteritis including symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually begin shortly after infection. For example, symptoms caused by norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. Symptoms from adenoviruses may be delayed 3 to 10 days after contact.

Depending on which type of virus you’ve contracted, symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Symptoms often start suddenly over the course of 1 or 2 hours.

Symptoms can include:

• loose, watery diarrhea more than 3 times per day
• fever or chills
• nausea and vomiting
• headache, muscle aches, or joint aches
• sweating or clammy skin
• abdominal cramps and pain
• loss of appetite

Diarrhea caused by viral gastroenteritis isn’t usually bloody. Blood in your stool could be a sign of a more severe infection.

You should seek emergency medical treatment if:

• diarrhea has lasted for 2 days or more without getting less frequent
• your infant develops diarrhea
• blood is present in your diarrhea
• you show or see signs of dehydration, such as dry lips or dizziness

In addition to the above symptoms, you should seek emergency attention for your child if they have the appearance of sunken eyes or if they aren’t making tears when they cry.

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a number of different viruses. It’s easy for these viruses to spread in group situations. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:

• eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water
• being in close contact with someone who has the virus
• sharing utensils or other items with someone who has the virus
• touching contaminated surfaces
• not washing hands properly, especially food handlers

Viral gastroenteritis affects people of all ages all over the world. But some factors can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis. People who are at a higher risk include:

• children under the age of 5
• older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities
• people with a compromised or weakened immune system
• those who are often in group settings, such as schools, dormitories, day care, religious gatherings, and other indoor group settings

Other factors that may increase the risk of becoming ill with viral gastroenteritis include:

• being malnourished, especially low levels of vitamin A or zinc
• recent travel to developing countries
• antibiotic or antacid use
• anal intercourse

Several different types of viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. The most common include:

• norovirus
• rotavirus
• adenovirus
• astrovirus

Let’s look at each of these viruses in more detail.

Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age. It spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, or by people who have the virus. Norovirus is common in crowded spaces.

Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.

Symptoms include:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• fever
• body aches

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people who become ill with norovirus start to feel better within 1 to 3 days of symptom onset.

Rotavirus

Rotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. Those who contract it can then pass the virus to other children and adults. It’s usually contracted and transmitted via the mouth.

Symptoms typically appear within 2 days of infection and include:

• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• watery diarrhea that lasts anywhere from 3 to 8 days

A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in 2006. Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children.

Adenovirus

The adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several types of illness, including gastroenteritis. The adenovirus can also cause common cold-like symptoms, bronchitis, pneumonia, and pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Children in daycare, especially those under 2 years of age, are more likely to get adenovirus.

Adenovirus is passed through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.

Symptoms associated with adenovirus include:

• sore throat
• pink eye
• fever
• coughing
• runny nose

Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may last longer than a few days.

Astrovirus

Astrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:

• diarrhea
• headache
• mild dehydration
• stomach pain

The virus most often affects people in late winter and early spring. It’s transmitted through contact with a person who has the virus or via an infected surface or food.

Symptoms usually appear within 2 to 3 days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within 1 to 4 days.

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Viral gastroenteritis accounts for over 200,000 childhood deaths worldwide per year.

Other complications of viral gastroenteritis include:

• nutritional imbalances
• body weakness or fatigue
• muscle weakness

Dehydration can be life threatening. Call your doctor if you or your child have these symptoms:

• diarrhea lasting more than a few days
• blood in the stool
• confusion or lethargy
• dizziness or feeling like you’re going to faint
• nausea
• dry mouth
• an inability to produce tears
• no urine for more than 8 hours or urine that is dark yellow or brown
• sunken eyes
• sunken fontanel on an infant’s head

Dehydration that accompanies viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:

• brain swelling
• coma
• hypovolemic shock, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid or blood
• kidney failure
• seizures

To prevent complications, get immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.

Most of the time, your medical history and physical exam are the basis for diagnosis, especially if there’s evidence that the virus is spreading through your community.

Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus, or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection.

The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids may be necessary.

Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions (OHS), such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases. These solutions are easy on your child’s stomach, and contain a balanced mixture of water and salts to replenish essential fluids and electrolytes.

These solutions are available at local pharmacies and don’t require a prescription. However, you should follow the instructions carefully.

Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications.

Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.

Treating diarrhea and vomiting

Diarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

Your doctor may also prescribe probiotics to replace the healthy bacteria that’s lost during diarrhea or they may prescribe medications to treat severe vomiting.

What to eat and what to avoid

As you start to feel better and reintroduce foods into your diet, it’s best to opt for bland foods, such as:

• rice
• potatoes
• toast
• bananas
• applesauce

These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. Until you’re feeling better, you may want to avoid some types of foods, such as:

• fatty or fried foods
• caffeine
• alcohol
• sugary foods
• dairy products

Self-care steps

If you have viral gastroenteritis, consider these self-care measures to help ease your symptoms and prevent dehydration:

• Drink extra fluids with and between meals. If you have difficulty, try drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice chips.
• Avoid fruit juices. These don’t replace the minerals that you’ve lost and can actually increase diarrhea.
• Electrolytes. Children and adults can consume sports drinks to replenish electrolytes. Younger children and infants should use products formulated for children, such as OHS.
• Limit portion sizes. Try to eat food in smaller amounts to help your stomach recover.
• Get lots of rest. Prioritize getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Don’t exert yourself until you feel that you have your usual level of energy and strength.
• Medications. Check with your doctor before taking medications or giving them to children. Never give aspirin to children or teenagers with a viral illness. This can cause Reye’s syndrome, a potentially life threatening condition.

Was this helpful?

In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

Heating pad or heat pack

If you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Cover the heating pad with a cloth and don’t leave it on for more than 15 minutes at a time.

The heat can help relax the muscles in your digestive tract and keep them from spasming.

Shop online for heating pads and heat packs.

Brown rice water

Some parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. It’s high in electrolytes and can help with rehydration.

To make rice water:

1. Boil 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water for about 10 minutes until the water becomes cloudy.
2. Strain the rice and keep the water.
3. Cool the rice water before serving.

Ginger

Products containing ginger, such as ginger ale or ginger tea, may help soothe an upset stomach.

A 2019 review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1,500 milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea. More research needs to be done on ginger’s ability to treat other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea.

Mint

Mint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better.

Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Shop online for mint tea.

Yogurt or kefir

Although dairy products should be avoided when you have your most acute symptoms, eating unflavored yogurt with live active cultures or drinking kefir may help restore your body’s natural bacterial balance after illness.

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Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others.

Prevention tips

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before food preparation. If necessary, use hand sanitizer until you can access soap and water.
• Don’t share kitchen utensils, plates, or towels if someone in your household is sick.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked foods.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Take special precautions to avoid contaminated water and food when traveling. Avoid ice cubes and use bottled water whenever possible.
• Ask your doctor if you should have your infant vaccinated against rotavirus. There are two vaccines, and they’re generally started around 2 months old.

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Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces.

Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor.

It’s also a good idea to get medical attention if your infant or young child develops diarrhea because it can lead to serious complications due to dehydration.

Diarrhea in adults – causes, examination and treatment | Symptoms

Gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites
Signs: Often vomiting. Rarely, fever or blood in the stool. No pain or minimal abdominal pain (except for vomiting).

Food poisoning
Signs: Diarrhea that starts suddenly, often with vomiting, within 4 to 8 hours of eating contaminated food. Often present in other people. Usually lasts 12-24 hours.

Side effects of drugs
Signs: Recent use of a drug that causes diarrhea.
Often there are no other symptoms.

Nutritional factors

• Cow’s milk intolerance
• Excess consumption of certain fruits or juices (such as pears, apples, or plums)

Symptoms: Diarrhea only after consumption of a substance that can cause diarrhea. Bloating and gas (flatulence). Paroxysmal diarrhea.

Irritable bowel syndrome
Symptoms: Intermittent diarrhea associated with abdominal pain. Often diarrhoea, alternating with constipation. No bleeding, weight loss, or fever. Symptoms are usually present for more than 12 weeks. Changes in frequency of bowel movements or stool consistency.

Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Signs: Blood in the stool, crampy abdominal pain, loss of body weight and appetite.
Sometimes arthritis, rash, mouth ulcers, and rectal tears.

Malabsorption

• Celiac disease
• Tropical sprue
• Pancreatic insufficiency
• Syndrome of excessive development of microflora

Signs: Light, soft, large, and unusually foul-smelling stools that may be oily in appearance. Bloating and flatulence, weight loss.

Certain tumors

• Colon cancer or villous adenoma
• Endocrine tumors (such as vipoma, gastrinoma, carcinoid, mastocytosis, or medullary thyroid cancer)
• Lymphoma

Signs: Sometimes blood in the stool, reduced stool diameter and weight loss, abdominal pain or cramps, flushing, and profuse watery diarrhea.

Hyperthyroidism
Signs: Often nervousness, difficulty tolerating heat, fatigue, palpitations, weight loss and palpitations.

Stomach or intestinal surgery
Features: Obvious recent surgery.

Diarrhea and fever in an adult, treatment

Diarrhea (loose stools) is not a disease, but a symptom that usually characterizes a gastrointestinal disorder. This syndrome often results in high fever and diarrhea. The very concept of “diarrhea” implies emptying the intestines more than twice a day with liquid feces. They are on 90% consists of water, in contrast to the normal state, when this figure is 60%. According to clinical development, there are acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. The first lasts no more than two weeks, the second lasts more than fourteen days. Any type of diarrhea leads to dehydration, so it is recommended to drink more fluids during this period. However, do not self-medicate, but immediately seek help from a doctor.

The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. In case of pain or other exacerbation of the disease, only the attending physician should prescribe diagnostic tests. For diagnosis and proper treatment, you should contact a specialist.

What could be the cause?

Diarrhea and fever in an adult may indicate not only the presence of an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. Having found this unpleasant symptom, for sure, the patient will ask the question: what can cause it? In fact, there are many.

The most common of them:

• acute poisoning;
• dysbacteriosis;
• pancreatitis;
• intestinal disorder;
• rectal cancer;
• appendicitis.

These diseases cause diarrhea and fever in adults and children. The first two days of diarrhea should not cause significant concern. However, if after two days the diarrhea does not go away, then it’s time to call the local doctor.

What drugs can cause loose stools

In addition to the above reasons, some foods and medications provoke diarrhea. Also, excessive consumption of prunes and fatty foods provokes a laxative effect. Medicines that cause diarrhea include drugs such as: laxatives, antibiotics, anticoagulants. In addition, diarrhea in adults can occur against the background of psycho-emotional experiences. But such a disorder does not last long, and normal health returns quickly. Also, diarrhea is a faithful companion of travelers. This is due to the frequent change of time zones, the use of not too clean water and unusual products. The symptom disappears immediately after adaptation.

Diagnosis of the disease

If you have such unpleasant symptoms as persistent diarrhea and high fever, then do not delay your visit to the doctor. For the initial appointment, you should make an appointment with a therapist. You urgently need a diagnosis of the disease. As soon as you enter the office, an experienced doctor must have a conversation with you, during which he will try to find out the reasons for your ailment. After that, the specialist will palpate, palpate and tap the abdomen. For successful treatment, it is necessary to collect as much useful information as possible, after which you can begin to treat diarrhea and temperature in an adult. Often, the initial examination is not enough, and the doctor prescribes the necessary diagnostic procedures. The most common are:

The cost of these examinations varies considerably. The price depends on the location and reputation of the clinic where the diagnostics will be performed. In addition, the quality of the equipment also affects the cost. Each of these methods is quite informative, but among them all, I would like to highlight CT and ultrasound, the reliability of these methods reaches 90%.

Which doctor can help?

If you have a fever and diarrhea, you should see a doctor in the following specialty:

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Suvan-ool Marina Anatolyevna

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Olga Torozova

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After the examination, the doctor will prescribe the necessary diagnostics in your case. Some diseases are difficult to diagnose as they say “by eye”. Therefore, you need to trust the doctor when prescribing research. After all the tests, the doctor will be able to draw up the correct course of treatment. Remember: accurate diagnosis and correct diagnosis are already 50% of success in treatment!

Complications due to failure to provide timely assistance

In addition, when examining a patient, the doctor must pay attention to the degree of dehydration of the body. If the patient has lost a large amount of fluid, then:

• the skin becomes dry;
• skin elasticity decreases;
• the work of the cardiovascular system is disrupted;
• blood pressure goes down.

Calcium is washed out of the body along with the liquid. Due to its deficiency, there is a predisposition to convulsions. Therefore, it is necessary to replenish the fluid supply, but do not do it abruptly. Too much water drunk at one time can provoke a gag reflex.