What are the primary symptoms of norovirus. How long does the stomach flu typically last. What are effective home remedies for treating norovirus symptoms. How is the stomach flu different from food poisoning and COVID-19. What precautions can help prevent the spread of norovirus.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Norovirus

Norovirus, commonly known as the “stomach flu,” is a highly contagious viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. Despite its nickname, it’s not related to influenza. Understanding the symptoms is crucial for proper identification and management of the illness.

The primary symptoms of norovirus include:

• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Chills
• Muscle aches

How quickly do norovirus symptoms appear after exposure? Symptoms can manifest as soon as 12 hours after coming into contact with the virus. The duration of these symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from one to 14 days, depending on the individual’s immune response and overall health.

The Contagious Nature of Norovirus

One of the most concerning aspects of norovirus is its highly contagious nature. The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route, meaning that particles from infected feces or vomit find their way into the mouths of uninfected individuals. This transmission can occur through various means:

1. Direct contact with an infected person
2. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face
3. Consuming contaminated food or water

Why is norovirus so persistent in the environment? Unlike many other viruses, noroviruses can survive on household surfaces for days, contributing to their rapid spread. This resilience makes thorough cleaning and disinfection crucial in preventing outbreaks.

Distinguishing Norovirus from Other Illnesses

Given the similarity of symptoms, it’s important to differentiate norovirus from other conditions such as food poisoning and COVID-19. While the clinical presentations may overlap, there are key distinctions that can help identify the cause of illness.

Norovirus vs. Food Poisoning

How can you tell if your symptoms are due to norovirus or food poisoning? The timing of symptom onset is a crucial factor. Food poisoning typically occurs within hours of consuming contaminated food. If you can recall eating something questionable or if others who shared the same meal are experiencing similar symptoms, food poisoning is more likely. Conversely, if you’re the only one affected, a viral illness like norovirus is the probable cause.

Norovirus vs. COVID-19

Can COVID-19 cause gastrointestinal symptoms similar to norovirus? Yes, approximately 20% of COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms usually develop in the initial stages of COVID-19 and are typically followed by respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, and fatigue. If you notice a progression from gastrointestinal to respiratory symptoms, consult your healthcare provider about COVID-19 testing.

Effective Home Treatments for Norovirus

While there’s no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus, several self-care measures can help manage symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Proper Hydration

What’s the most critical aspect of treating norovirus at home? Maintaining adequate hydration is paramount. Consume sufficient fluids to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate symptoms and lead to complications. Suitable options include:

• Water
• Sports drinks (for older children and adults)
• Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte (for infants and young children)

For children experiencing vomiting, offer small amounts of fluid frequently. Breastfeeding mothers can continue to nurse their infants.

2. Appropriate Diet

What foods should you eat when recovering from norovirus? If your appetite is diminished, focus on liquid intake initially. As you begin to feel better, incorporate easily digestible foods such as:

• Boiled starches (potatoes, rice, noodles)
• Plain cereals with salt
• Crackers
• Bananas
• Clear soups
• Boiled vegetables

Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly-seasoned foods until you’ve fully recovered.

3. Adequate Rest

Why is rest important during norovirus infection? The illness and potential dehydration can cause significant fatigue. Allowing your body to rest facilitates recovery and helps conserve energy for fighting the infection.

4. Over-the-Counter Medications

Can medications help alleviate norovirus symptoms? For adults under 65 without fever or bloody stools, anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) may provide relief for one to two days. However, children and adults over 65 should consult a healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter remedies.

Preventing the Spread of Norovirus

Given the highly contagious nature of norovirus, prevention is crucial in limiting its spread. What measures can effectively reduce the risk of norovirus transmission?

1. Practice proper hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or consuming food.
2. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Use a chlorine bleach solution to sanitize potentially contaminated areas.
3. Handle food safely: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and cook shellfish completely.
4. Avoid preparing food for others when ill: If you have norovirus symptoms, refrain from cooking for others for at least 48 hours after recovery.
5. Isolate infected individuals: Those with norovirus should limit contact with others to prevent transmission.

Understanding Norovirus Outbreaks

Norovirus outbreaks can occur in various settings, often with dramatic effects. What environments are particularly susceptible to norovirus outbreaks?

• Healthcare facilities
• Schools and daycare centers
• Cruise ships
• Restaurants and catered events
• Military installations

Why do these settings pose a higher risk for norovirus spread? These environments often involve close contact between individuals, shared living or dining spaces, and potential for rapid transmission through contaminated surfaces or food.

Responding to Outbreaks

How should institutions respond to a norovirus outbreak? Effective outbreak management involves:

1. Rapid identification and isolation of infected individuals
2. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols
3. Reinforced hand hygiene practices
4. Temporary closure of affected areas if necessary
5. Clear communication with all stakeholders

Long-Term Health Impacts of Norovirus

While norovirus is typically a short-term illness, it can have more significant consequences in certain populations. Who is at higher risk for complications from norovirus infection?

• Young children
• Older adults
• Individuals with compromised immune systems
• People with underlying health conditions

What potential complications can arise from severe norovirus infections? In some cases, particularly among vulnerable populations, norovirus can lead to:

• Severe dehydration requiring hospitalization
• Malnutrition in children, especially in developing countries
• Exacerbation of existing health conditions
• Rare cases of post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome

Norovirus Research and Future Prospects

As norovirus continues to pose a significant public health challenge, ongoing research aims to improve prevention and treatment strategies. What are some promising areas of norovirus research?

• Vaccine development: Scientists are working on creating effective vaccines against norovirus, with some candidates in clinical trials.
• Improved diagnostic tools: Rapid and accurate diagnostic tests could help in early detection and containment of outbreaks.
• Novel antiviral treatments: Researchers are exploring potential antiviral medications that could directly target norovirus.
• Environmental interventions: Studies on more effective disinfection methods and surface treatments to reduce viral persistence.

How might future advancements change our approach to norovirus? As research progresses, we may see:

1. Targeted vaccination programs for high-risk groups or outbreak-prone settings
2. More effective outbreak control measures based on improved understanding of viral transmission
3. Reduced economic impact through better prevention and management strategies
4. Enhanced global surveillance and response to norovirus outbreaks

Understanding norovirus, its symptoms, and effective management strategies is crucial for public health. By recognizing the signs early, implementing proper treatment measures, and following preventive guidelines, we can significantly reduce the impact of this common yet challenging viral infection. As research continues to advance our knowledge and tools for combating norovirus, staying informed and adhering to best practices remains our best defense against this persistent pathogen.

Have the Stomach Flu? 4 Ways to Treat Symptoms at Home

There’s almost nothing worse than being bent over a toilet throwing up. And, sadly, it can be hard to know what caused you to be there in the first place. Kelli Miller, ANP, UnityPoint Health, lists the symptoms of the stomach flu and how long it lasts, plus ways to feel better, so you can get out of the bathroom and get back to normal.

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Miller says it’s easy to get confused about the difference between influenza, or “the flu,” and gastroenteritis, better known as “the stomach flu.” The stomach flu is caused by a number of viruses, mainly norovirus, which accounts for more than 50 percent of all cases, and others, like rotavirus. Bacteria, such salmonella and E. coli, can also be to blame. Getting the flu shot does not prevent you from getting the stomach flu, but it does prevent you from getting influenza.

“Stomach flu symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea,” Miller says. “A low-grade fever, chills and muscle aches aren’t uncommon to experience as well. Symptoms can start as little as 12 hours after exposure.”

These symptoms can last anywhere from one to 14 days, and unfortunately, the stomach flu is extremely contagious.

“The stomach flu is spread by the fecal-oral route, which means the viruses from infected feces or vomit find their way into our mouths from either touching a contaminated surface and then touching your face or eating/drinking contaminated foods and/or water. Compared to other viruses, noroviruses can live for days on household surfaces, which is why they spread easily,” Miller says.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Miller says the clinical symptoms of the stomach flu and food poisoning overlap quite a bit, as you can have vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort and fever with either one. She says the easiest way to determine the cause of your discomfort is to look back at your recent history.

“If your symptoms are caused by food poisoning, they tend to occur within hours after eating something. If you can recall eating something questionable, or if others who ate the same thing as you and have similar symptoms, you probably have food poisoning. If you are the only one who got sick, you more than likely picked up a viral illness,” Miller says. 

Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19

To make matters even more confusing, some people with COVID-19 (about 20% according to studies) experience stomach issues including nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Most people with those symptoms usually report developing them in the first couple of days and then go on to experience other respiratory or cold-like symptoms like fever, headache, cough and fatigue.

If you experience nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may follow. If you notice a progression in the illness, talk with your doctor about getting tested for COVID-19. Remember, if you’re feeling sick, stay home and continue to wash your hands frequently.

How to Treat the Stomach Flu at Home

Miller says there’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses and overusing them can contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. She recommends treating the stomach flu with the following self-care steps:

• Keep drinking the right fluids. You’ll need to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration. In addition to water, older children and adults can drink sports drinks, like Gatorade, Power Aid, while babies and young children can have an oral rehydration solution, such as Pedialyte. If your child is vomiting, you can try to give your child a few teaspoons of fluid every few minutes. Babies who breastfeed can continue to breastfeed. But, you should avoid drinks with increased sugar content, such as juices or sodas, which can make diarrhea worse.
• Eat the right foods. If you don’t have an appetite, you should resort to drinking only liquids for a short period of time. Boiled starches (potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat and oats) and plain cereals with salt are recommended, if you have watery diarrhea. You may also try crackers, bananas, soup and boiled vegetables.
• Avoid heavy foods. On the other hand, you should avoid certain foods until you are feeling better. These include dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and fatty or highly-seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness or dehydration can make you feel tired.

“Adults under 65 years old with a new bout of diarrhea, with no fever or blood in bowel movements, can take medicine to stop diarrhea, such as loparmide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicyclate (Pepto Bismal) for one to two days, if they’re not allergic to these medications. Children and adults over the age of 65 should check with their health care provider before taking any over-the-counter medicines,” Miller says.

As contagious as it is, keeping your family from catching the stomach flu can be tricky. Miller offers these tips to protect against the viral infections that cause gastroenteritis:

• Immunize little ones. Infants can be immunized with the rotavirus vaccine. This is offered at 2, 4 and 6 months old during well-child visits.
• Simply wash your hands. Wash your hands often to stop the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer works after being in public as well.
• Give your home the once-over. Use household cleaning products to disinfect surfaces and objects, like countertops, doorknobs, handles, sinks, toilets, computer keyboards and phones.
• Separate your laundry loads. Wash laundry of those recovering from the stomach flu in different loads than the rest of your family.
• Keep your distance. Try to keep your children, especially newborns, away from anyone who is sick. If someone in your family is sick, stay home and do not go to work, school or day care. You should be symptom-free for 48 hours before returning.

When the Stomach Flu Requires a Doctor

While most stomach illnesses pass on their own, there are cases when medical attention is necessary. Miller recommends watching for signs of severe dehydration:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Confusion
• Increased heart rate over 100 beats per minute
• Increased breathing rate
• Dizziness, including when standing from a sitting or laying position
• Passing out
• Fatigue
• Dark yellow or amber colored urine
• No urination within the past six to eight hours (during the day)

In addition to severe dehydration, Miller also says the following are causes for concern, and if you experience these, contact your provider:

• Bloody stool/rectal bleeding or blood in vomit
• Vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Fever greater than 104 degrees
• Weight loss
• Severe abdominal pain
• Prolonged symptoms lasting more than a week
• Are currently pregnant

Lastly, call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting lasting several hours
• Hasn’t had a wet diaper in six hours
• Has bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Has a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of his or her head
• Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
• Is unusually sleepy, drowsy or unresponsive

If any of these symptoms are present, evaluation by a health care professional is needed right away, and IV hydration may need to be administered or possible admission to the hospital.

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.

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.

Enteroviral infection

09/18/2017

Enterovirus infection is a multiple group of acute infectious diseases that can affect children and adults when infected with viruses of the Enterovirus genus. The insidiousness of the causative agents of enterovirus infection is that they can cause various forms of clinical manifestations, from mild malaise to serious damage to the central nervous system. With the development of an enterovirus infection, the symptoms are characterized by a feverish state and a wide variety of other signs caused by damage to the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, central nervous system and other organs.

How the infection spreads:

The main route of transmission of enterovirus infection is fecal-oral .
Household contact , through household items, contaminated hands, if personal hygiene is not observed.
Airborne if the pathogen multiplies in the respiratory tract, when coughing, sneezing.
Waterway – infection can occur when vegetables and fruits are watered with contaminated sewage, as well as when swimming in open contaminated water bodies, according to some reports, even water in coolers is a source of enterovirus infection.
If a pregnant woman is infected with an enterovirus infection, a vertical route of the pathogen’s transmission to the child is also possible.

Enterovirus infection is characterized by summer-autumn seasonality, a person has a very high natural susceptibility, and after the illness, type-specific immunity is maintained for several years.
The incubation period of any enteroviral infections is no more than 2-7 days.

All diseases that can be caused by enteroviruses according to the severity of the inflammatory process can be conditionally divided into 2 groups:0017 Serious diseases
These include acute paralysis, hepatitis, serous meningitis in children and adults, pericarditis, myocarditis, neonatal septic-like diseases, any chronic infections in HIV-infected people (HIV infection: symptoms, stages).
Less severe diseases
Conjunctivitis, three-day fever without rash or with rash, herpangina, vesicular pharyngitis, pleurodynia, uveitis, gastroenteritis. Enterovirus D68 can occur with severe cough and bronchopulmonary obstruction.

Symptoms:

Signs of SARS . Children develop perspiration, sore throat, sometimes runny nose, cough, fever. The temperature is high at the first stages, then decreases and after 2-3 days it jumps sharply again. This phenomenon is called “enterovirus fever”. It lasts, as a rule, 3 days, the child will feel unwell. During this period, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea sometimes appear, which can stop abruptly.

Rash . This manifestation of the disease is called “exanthema”. A rash appears on the second day after the temperature rises. As a rule, it is localized on the neck, legs, arms, face, back, chest. Outwardly, it looks like small red dots on the skin, identical to the manifestation of measles. Sometimes the rash is localized in the mouth, throat, looks like bubbles filled with liquid, which then turn into sores.

Muscle pain . Enterovirus infection in some cases affects muscle tissue. It is localized more often in the chest, abdomen, much less often in the back, arms, legs. Deterioration of the condition is manifested by movement, the pain has a paroxysmal character. The duration can be several minutes and up to half an hour. If you do not start timely therapy, muscle pain will become chronic.

Diarrhea, vomiting. Often manifested in children under 2 years of age when the body is affected by an enterovirus infection. Sometimes the symptom is accompanied by bloating, pain. Diarrhea can last for several days. The main task of parents during this period is to restore fluid deficiency in time.

Additional symptoms of enterovirus infection:
drowsiness, lethargy;
abdominal pain;
loss of appetite;
swelling of the extremities;
general malaise;
dehydration;
conjunctivitis, redness of the eyes, lacrimation;
enlargement of the lymph nodes.

In healthy adults with strong immunity, enterovirus infection cannot develop to severe pathological processes, and most often it is completely asymptomatic, which cannot be said about young children, especially newborns and adults weakened by other diseases, such as HIV infection, oncological diseases, tuberculosis.

To prevent the disease of enterovirus infection, it is necessary to observe preventive measures:

Use guaranteed safe water and drinks (boiled water and drinks in factory packaging).
Eat foods that have been heat treated.
Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and then rinse with boiling water.
When swimming in ponds and pools, do not allow water to enter the oral cavity.
Follow the basic rules of personal hygiene.
You should avoid visiting mass events, places with a large number of people (public transport, cinemas, etc.).
Wet cleaning of residential premises is recommended at least 2 times a day, ventilation of premises.

Under no circumstances should a child visit an organized children’s group (school, preschool institutions) with any manifestations of the disease. At the first signs of illness, you should immediately seek medical help, do not self-medicate!

Intestinal infections | H-Clinic

06/13/2022

Intestinal infections are a group of diseases that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. They are often called gastroenteritis because both the stomach and intestines are affected.

They are ubiquitous and do not have seasonality (such as influenza or tick-borne infections), but the maximum number of cases is still recorded in the spring-summer period, when hands begin to reach for fruits and vegetables from the beds, “and it is not necessary to wash – we have everything everything is clean!”

In fact, this is not the only way to get sick – you can also swim in a pond and take a sip of water from there .

.. but seriously, there are two main ways to get infected:

1. Eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water
2. Contact with a sick person and objects contaminated with his secretions (this includes both non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, patient care, and oral sex, including rimming)

Intestinal infections are mainly manifested by symptoms such as:

• diarrhea (it is important to pay attention to the consistency, color of feces, the presence of pathological impurities, blood, mucus)

• nausea

• vomit

• discomfort/abdominal pain

• fever

• headache

Most of these infections go away on their own after symptomatic treatment. Symptomatic treatment is drugs for nausea if you feel sick, for pain in the abdomen if your stomach hurts, for headaches if your head hurts, etc. But some diseases pose a real threat, can lead to complications and even death.

The main thing to be afraid of is dehydration. Dehydration is especially dangerous for children and the elderly, as well as for people with chronic kidney and heart diseases. Therefore, it is important to constantly replenish the volume of fluid lost by the body during vomiting and diarrhea, with sweat during fever, and even with breathing, we lose water – and it needs to be replenished! For this, there are many special solutions (Regidron, Acesol, Hydrovit) that you can drink, but if a person cannot even take a sip (for example, he constantly vomits), then it is better to administer saline solutions intravenously – this is more reliable.

It is important to know when to seek medical attention.

• severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting and diarrhea

• diarrhea lasting more than 3 days

• high fever

• an admixture of blood and mucus in the stool

• signs of dehydration (severe thirst, decreased diuresis*, decreased blood pressure, loss of consciousness)

* diuresis is the volume of urine formed over a certain period of time, most often per day; it is also the ratio of fluid drunk and excreted in the urine

When it comes to children, you should always pay attention to:

• signs of dehydration (lack of urine, sunken eyes, dry mouth, pallor, cold extremities)

• persistent nausea/vomiting, severe abdominal pain

• lethargy, hypodynamia, delayed reaction

What are the most common causes of intestinal infections?

For parasites, you need to highlight a whole separate article, so today we will briefly go over viruses and bacteria – the main causative agents of gastroenteritis. So.

Viruses (rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus)

You can become infected through food, contaminated water, household items contaminated with secretions of a sick person. As a rule, the disease has a “family” character – everyone gets sick in turn or at the same time. Usually, if most family members with similar symptoms are sick, a viral infection is suspected.

The symptoms for all of these viruses are similar: high body temperature, abdominal discomfort or pain, nausea, vomiting, and clear watery stools. True, with an adenoviral infection, high fever can persist for quite a long time, there may be a sore throat, lymph nodes may increase, a rash and conjunctivitis may appear. By and large, it doesn’t matter to know what kind of virus has now crippled your health, because the knowledge of this tactic does not change – symptomatic therapy + fluid replenishment. There are no antiviral drugs to treat intestinal infections.

Replenishing lost fluid and electrolytes is the main goal of treating viral gastroenteritis. Insufficient rehydration leads to very serious consequences up to death, especially in young children. For example, rotavirus infection in young children causes several hundred thousand deaths each year due to dehydration. However, there is prevention – we will talk about it later.

Bacteria

– Campylobacter is one of the four leading causes of diarrheal disease worldwide. This bacterium is considered the world’s most common bacterial cause of intestinal infections in humans. Most cases are mild, but children, the elderly, and immunocompromised people are at risk for severe disease. It is transmitted through consumption of undercooked meat, poultry, or milk. The clinical picture is very similar to many acute intestinal infections, and diagnosis is only possible using laboratory stool tests such as PCR or culture. Antibacterial therapy is carried out only in the case of an invasive form of the disease or for the sanitation of asymptomatic excretory carriers.

– E. coli (Escherichia coli) is the leading cause of traveler’s diarrhea and the leading cause of diarrheal disease in developing countries, especially among children. Most strains of E. coli are harmless, but some strains can cause severe food poisoning, such as Shigatoxin producing E. coli (STEC). The main sources of STEC outbreaks are uncooked or undercooked minced meat products, raw milk, and vegetables contaminated with faeces. In most cases, the disease resolves on its own, but life-threatening conditions can develop.

* Traveler’s diarrhea is the most common travel-related illness. People who travel to places where there are pathogens other than those they are used to become infected, especially in regions where food/water contamination is more common. It is most often transmitted through food or water contaminated with faeces. Most cases are caused by bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella.

– Salmonellosis is one of the most common intestinal infections. Infection occurs when eating food, usually raw meat, fish, seafood, eggs (including quail). Accompanied by high body temperature, headache, cramping abdominal pain, repeated watery stools with a characteristic dark green color, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. There is no salmonella in fresh chicken eggs, but in chicken manure, which is on the shell, there may be plenty of it. It can remain on the shell (therefore, it is necessary to wash chicken eggs before cooking), or it can penetrate inside (therefore, the heat treatment must be complete). The most dangerous type of salmonella is Salmonella Typhi, which causes typhoid fever. The infection affects the lymphatic system and digestive tract, spreads throughout the body with blood and lymph, causing severe intoxication. Symptoms include persistent fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, and constipation or diarrhea. Some patients may develop a rash. Severe cases of the disease can lead to serious complications (such as intestinal perforation, intestinal bleeding, peritonitis) and even death. Antibacterial therapy is indispensable here, the main thing is to complete the course of treatment under the supervision of a doctor and be sure to pass control tests of feces for Salmonella typhi to confirm the cure.

– Shigellosis (or dysentery) is as common as salmonellosis. Unlike salmonellosis, to get sick with dysentery, you need a very small infectious dose (few bacteria). A sick person, his feces is the only source of the pathogen that can be transmitted through water, food, objects, or carried by flies. The nature of the stool with shigellosis is already different, most often with mucus, blood, or even pus. The pain in the abdomen has a cramping character, false urge to defecate, and the volume of stool is smaller and smaller each time. In moderate and severe cases, antibiotics are used.

– Yersinia , caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, is a relatively rare cause of diarrhea and abdominal pain. Infection most often occurs through the consumption of contaminated foods, vegetables, especially raw or undercooked pork products, as well as ice cream and milk. Mice are the most common carriers. Common symptoms are fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, which is often bloody, bothersome muscle and joint pain, and sometimes a rash. The danger of this disease is that a chronic form of the disease develops with joint damage, reactive arthritis, the appearance of erythema nodosum, chronic colitis, and the development of myocarditis. Antibacterial therapy is required.

In many cases, even with a bacterial infection, symptomatic treatment is sufficient. However, if there is a prolonged high temperature, the presence of mucus, pus or blood in the stool, inflammatory changes in the general blood test, an increase in the level of C-reactive protein, then it is necessary for the doctor to prescribe adequate antibiotic therapy.

But here it is important to know that every antibiotic intake carries the risk of developing antibiotic-associated colitis. The most common causative agent is the opportunistic bacterium Clostridium Difficile, which produces a large amount of toxins. It is characterized by a violation of the stool, the appearance of mucus in the feces, an increase in body temperature, and a general deterioration in the condition. The danger lies in the violation of protein absorption, leading to severe edema. The most dangerous, life-threatening condition is toxic dilatation (expansion) of the colon, requiring surgical intervention. It sounds strange, but colitis due to antibiotics is also treated with antibiotics, only with different ones. Treatment and recovery takes a long time and there are frequent relapses of the disease. Therefore, any appointment of antibiotic therapy should be made by a doctor strictly according to indications and taking into account many additional factors.

– Another Clostridium ( Clostridium Botulinum ) can cause botulism, a dangerous, potentially fatal disease, often hidden under the guise of common intestinal infections. A person becomes infected with botulism when eating home canned products (mushrooms, fish, meat). Products canned under industrial conditions rarely become a source of infection. Wound botulism develops as a result of wound contamination (ingress of bacterial spores into the wound surface). Infant botulism develops when spores of the pathogen enter the gastrointestinal tract. This type of botulism is observed mainly in children of the first 6 months of life. If visual impairment begins: double vision, “fog” before the eyes, a feeling of a grid – this is a reason for urgent hospitalization, and the treatment of the disease itself is strictly in the hospital. The toxin causes paralysis. Paralysis begins in the muscles of the face and spreads to the limbs. If it reaches the respiratory muscles, respiratory failure can occur, which can be fatal.

– Bacterial food poisoning is one of the most common diagnoses. Symptoms are identical to viral gastroenteritis and are close even to bacterial infections. The only common difference is that the temperature is not as high, usually no higher than 38. 0°C. The reason is bacterial toxins in food. Often occurs when using expired products, improperly stored confectionery.

Intestinal infections can be prevented by taking care of what you eat and drink and by practicing good hygiene.

• cook food thoroughly (there must be a good heat treatment, a separate cutting board for meat, and it must be washed thoroughly with soap)

• wash your hands regularly (after going to the toilet, before eating, after caring for a sick relative, after changing diapers, after cutting raw meat, etc.)

• when traveling to developing countries, use only bottled water, avoid ice and raw foods

• and, of course, we must try to avoid contact with patients with intestinal infections

And, as always, we cannot ignore the rubric “specific prophylaxis – vaccination”

• You can vaccinate against dysentery with the Shigellvac vaccine.