Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water. If you’re otherwise healthy, you’ll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.

There’s no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly and often.

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Symptoms

Although it’s commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn’t the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as:

• Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you’re infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days.

Because the symptoms are similar, it’s easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or parasites, such as giardia.

Viral gastroenteritis

The stomach, small intestine and large intestine (colon) are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of these organs caused by a virus.

When to see a doctor

If you’re an adult, call your health care provider if:

• You’re not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours
• You’ve been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than two days
• You’re vomiting blood
• You’re dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness
• You notice blood in your bowel movements
• You have severe stomach pain
• You have a fever above 104 F (40 C)

For infants and children

See your child’s health care provider right away if your child:

• Has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
• Seems tired or very irritable
• Is in a lot of discomfort or pain
• Has bloody diarrhea
• Seems dehydrated — watch for signs of dehydration in sick infants and children by comparing how much they drink and urinate with how much is normal for them, and watching for signs such as a dry mouth, thirst and crying without tears

If you have an infant, remember that while spitting up may be an everyday occurrence for your baby, vomiting is not. Babies vomit for a variety of reasons, many of which may require medical attention.

Call your baby’s doctor right away if your baby:

• Has vomiting that is frequent
• 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

Causes

You’re most likely to get viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink contaminated food or water. You may also be likely to get gastroenteritis if you share utensils, towels or food with someone who has one of the viruses that cause the condition.

Many viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including:

• Noroviruses. Both children and adults are affected by noroviruses, the most common cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Norovirus infection can sweep through families and communities. It’s especially likely to spread among people in confined spaces.

  In most cases, you pick up the virus from contaminated food or water. But it can also spread between people who are in close contact or who share food. You can also get the virus by touching a surface that’s been contaminated with norovirus and then touching your mouth.

• Rotavirus. Worldwide, this is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children, who are usually infected when they put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths. It can also spread through contaminated food. The infection is most severe in infants and young children.

  Adults infected with rotavirus may not have symptoms, but can still spread the illness. This is of particular concern in institutional settings such as nursing homes because adults with the virus unknowingly can pass the virus to others. A vaccine against viral gastroenteritis is available in some countries, including the United States, and appears to be effective in preventing the infection.

Some shellfish, especially raw or undercooked oysters, also can make you sick. Contaminated drinking water is a cause of viral diarrhea. But in many cases the virus is passed when someone with a virus handles food you eat without washing his or her hands after using the toilet.

Risk factors

Gastroenteritis occurs all over the world and can affect people of all ages.

People who may be more susceptible to gastroenteritis include:

• Young children. Children in child care centers or elementary schools may be especially vulnerable because it takes time for a child’s immune system to mature.
• Older adults. Adult immune systems tend to become less efficient later in life. Older adults in nursing homes are vulnerable because their immune systems weaken. They also live in close contact with others who may pass along germs.
• Schoolchildren or dormitory residents. Anywhere that groups of people come together in close quarters can be an environment for an intestinal infection to get passed.
• Anyone with a weakened immune system. If your resistance to infection is low — for instance, if your immune system is compromised by HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy or another medical condition — you may be especially at risk.

Each gastrointestinal virus has a season when it’s most active. If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, for instance, you’re more likely to have rotavirus or norovirus infections in the winter and spring.

Complications

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration — a severe loss of water and essential salts and minerals. If you’re healthy and drink enough to replace fluids you lose from vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration shouldn’t be a problem.

Infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may become severely dehydrated when they lose more fluids than they can replace. Hospitalization might be needed so that lost fluids can be replaced through an IV in their arms. Dehydration can rarely lead to death.

Prevention

The best way to prevent the spread of intestinal infections is to follow these precautions:

• Get your child vaccinated. A vaccine against gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus is available in some countries, including the United States. Given to children in the first year of life, the vaccine appears to be effective in preventing severe symptoms of this illness.

• Wash your hands thoroughly. And make sure your children do, too. If your children are older, teach them to wash their hands, especially after using the toilet.

  Wash your hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food, too. It’s best to use warm water and soap and to rub hands well for at least 20 seconds. Wash around cuticles, beneath fingernails and in the creases of the hands. Then rinse thoroughly. Carry sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.

• Use separate personal items around your home. Avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking glasses and plates. Use separate towels in the bathroom.
• Prepare food safely. Wash all your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Clean kitchen surfaces before preparing food on them. Avoid preparing food if you’re sick.
• Keep your distance. Avoid close contact with anyone who has the virus, if possible.
• Disinfect hard surfaces. If someone in your home has viral gastroenteritis, disinfect hard surfaces, such as counters, faucets and doorknobs, with a mixture of 5-25 tablespoons (73 to 369 milliliters) of household bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.
• Avoid touching laundry that may have been exposed to a virus. If someone in your home has viral gastroenteritis, wear gloves while touching laundry. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting. Wash your hands well after touching laundry.
• Check out your child care center. Make sure the center has separate rooms for changing diapers and preparing or serving food. The room with the diaper-changing table should have a sink as well as a sanitary way to dispose of diapers.

Take precautions when traveling

When you’re traveling in other countries, you can become sick from contaminated food or water. You may be able to reduce your risk by following these tips:

• Drink only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water.
• Avoid ice cubes because they may be made from contaminated water.
• Use bottled water to brush your teeth.
• Avoid raw food — including peeled fruits, raw vegetables and salads — that has been touched by human hands.
• Avoid undercooked meat and fish.

More Information

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) – Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely diagnose viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) based on symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the presence of similar cases in your community. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, but there are no quick tests for other viruses that cause gastroenteritis. In some cases, your doctor may have you submit a stool sample to rule out a possible bacterial or parasitic infection.

Treatment

There’s often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

Self care

To help keep yourself more comfortable and prevent dehydration while you recover, try the following:

• Let your stomach settle. Stop eating solid foods for a few hours.
• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water often. You might also try drinking clear soda, clear broths or noncaffeinated sports drinks. In some cases you can try oral rehydration solutions. Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips.
• Ease back into eating. As you’re able, you can return to eating your normal diet. You might find that you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first, such as soda crackers, soup, oats, noodles, bananas and rice. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better. These include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods.
• Get plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made you weak and tired.
• Try anti-diarrhea medications. Some adults may find it helpful to take loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol, others) to manage their symptoms. However, avoid these if you have bloody diarrhea or fever, which could be signs of another condition.

For infants and children

When your child has an intestinal infection, the most important goal is to replace lost fluids and salts. These suggestions may help:

• Help your child rehydrate. Give your child an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies without a prescription. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about how to use it.

  Don’t give your child plain water — in children with gastroenteritis, water isn’t absorbed well and won’t adequately replace lost electrolytes. Avoid giving your child apple juice for rehydration — it can make diarrhea worse.

• Get your child back to a normal diet once hydrated. Once your child is rehydrated, introduce him or her to his or her normal diet. This might include toast, yogurt, fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid certain foods. Don’t give your child sugary foods, such as ice cream, sodas and candy. These can make diarrhea worse.
• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. The illness and dehydration may have made your child weak and tired.
• Avoid giving your child store-bought anti-diarrheal medications, unless advised by your doctor. They can make it harder for your child’s body to get rid of the virus.

If you have a sick infant, let your baby’s stomach rest for 15-20 minutes after vomiting or a bout of diarrhea, then offer small amounts of liquid. If you’re breast-feeding, let your baby nurse. If your baby is bottle-fed, offer a small amount of an oral rehydration solution or regular formula. Don’t dilute your baby’s already-prepared formula.

Preparing for your appointment

If you or your child needs to see a doctor, you’ll likely see your doctor first. If there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist.

What you can do

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. Some questions you might want to ask your or your child’s doctor include:

• What’s the likely cause of the symptoms? Are there other possible causes?
• Is there a need for tests?
• What’s the best treatment approach? Are there any alternatives?
• Is there a need to take medicine?
• What can I do at home to ease the symptoms?

What to expect from your doctor

Some questions the doctor may ask include:

• When did symptoms begin?
• Have the symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms?
• Have you been in contact with anyone with similar symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Drink plenty of fluids. As you’re able, you can return to eating your normal diet. You might find you can eat bland, easy-to-digest foods at first. If your child is sick, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids. When possible, start having your child eat his or her normal diet. If you’re breastfeeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. Ask your child’s doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration solution, available without a prescription at pharmacies, would help.

Gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention

Gastroenteritis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, which is expressed by inflammatory processes in the intestines and stomach. Gastroenteritis can be both acute and chronic.

Acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach or intestines, often caused by improper diet or ingestion of various types of viruses and infectious agents into the intestinal tract.

Excessive overeating or frequent dry food, as well as an irregular diet, can also cause inflammation of the stomach. The symptoms of the disease manifest themselves sharply, while pain is in the nature of contractions. The main symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are severe pain in the abdomen, or in the navel area, nausea, vomiting, general weakness of the whole body, palpitations, pallor of the skin, loss of appetite, feeling of dizziness.

In severe cases, the patient may experience fainting. In acute gastroenteritis, a change in stool is observed – the discharge becomes similar to mucus. With the manifestation of the disease, another visual symptom is the sharpening of facial features. If the first symptom of acute gastroenteritis occurs, the patient must be given first aid – rinse the stomach with warm water with the addition of potassium permanganate or with the addition of soda. After gastric lavage, it is necessary to consult a doctor and conduct a comprehensive examination of the gastrointestinal tract and identify the causative agent of gastroenteritis.

Causes of gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is divided into several types depending on what became the causative agent of the disease. Bacterial gastroenteritis is provoked by intestinal pathogens, bacteria, salmonella or staphylococci, which enter the esophagus with poor-quality food or with weakened immunity. Viral gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus, an intestinal viral bacterium.

Rotavirus exposure is caused by the problem of dirty hands, poor hygiene before and during meals, poor quality, unwashed food, poorly prepared food, or eating raw food such as seafood. Chronic gastroenteritis mainly appears as a consequence of untreated acute gastroenteritis, or on the background of oncological diseases. Gastroenteritis can also be attributed to “occupational” diseases.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are nausea, vomiting and changes in the stool, in more severe cases of inflammation, the stool may be accompanied by bloody discharge. Quite often, the patient has a fever, severe headaches, pain in the abdomen, especially in the navel. When a viral gastroenteritis occurs, the patient has a strong increase in body temperature. Pain in the abdomen is accompanied by its strong swelling.

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis manifest themselves within a day or two after infection. If the patient has severe dizziness and deep fainting, you should immediately seek help from a doctor, as such symptoms indicate the neglect of the disease and the inability of the body to resist the disease. In especially severe cases, there are convulsions in the body.

Gastroenteritis in children

Gastroenteritis in children is a common disease, but in severe and advanced cases it can cause death. Gastroenteritis in children can be as a result of dysbacteriosis, influenza, or rotavirus entering the body. Symptoms of gastroenteritis in children are nausea when eating, bloating, colic, sleep disturbance, fever, diarrhea. When the first signs of gastroenteritis occur in a child, it is necessary to take measures to prevent dehydration of the body – give as much water to drink as possible.

If vomiting does not stop within 24 hours after the discovery of the disease, consult a doctor immediately. If gastroenteritis is detected, the child must follow a diet to normalize the work of the stomach. It includes unsweetened vegetable or fruit purees, baked apples, boiled lean meats, lean soups, and fish. This diet is observed for a week, after which you can return to your usual diet. When treating gastroenteritis in children, it is necessary to exclude the use of dairy products for two weeks.

Treatment of gastroenteritis

When the first signs of the disease appear, the patient should refrain from eating for several hours to normalize bowel function. Drink as much liquid as possible – water or light juices without pulp. After the feeling of nausea disappears, you can eat some boiled rice, crackers or a banana. In the treatment of gastroenteritis, antibiotics are not taken. In the presence of severe pain, it is necessary to do a gastric lavage with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or soda.

Diet for gastroenteritis includes lean boiled fish and meat, lean soups, cereals, vegetables, and as much liquid as possible – water, juices. The patient is forbidden to consume dairy products, fruits. The diet must be followed for 3-4 days, after which it is necessary to return to the previous diet.

Within three days (June 3-5, 2015), 7 citizens with a diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis turned to the emergency department of the Gubkinskaya City Hospital of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, another 6 patients were delivered by the ambulance department; of them: 1 – was hospitalized in the intensive care unit and anesthesiology, 7 – in the infectious diseases department in a state of moderate severity, the rest – refused hospitalization. The age range of patients is from 12 years to 61 years. During this period, the condition of all patients is stable.

causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Contents

• 1 Acute gastroenteritis: symptoms, causes and treatments
  • 1. 1 Acute gastroenteritis: what is it?
  • 1.2 Acute gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention
    • 1.2.1 Causes of acute gastroenteritis
  • 1.3 Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis
  • 1.4 Complications of acute gastroenteritis 900 66
  • 1.5 Treatment of acute gastroenteritis
  • 1.6 Diet for acute gastroenteritis
    • 1.6.1 Rules for eating for gastroenteritis
    • 1.6.2 What to eat for acute gastroenteritis
    • 1.6.3 What not to eat for acute gastroenteritis
    • 1.6.3 6.4 Sample daily menu for gastroenteritis
  • 1.7 Prevention of acute gastroenteritis
  • 1.8 Vaccination to prevent acute gastroenteritis
    • 1.8.1 What is vaccination against gastroenteritis?
    • 1.8.2 What vaccines are available for acute gastroenteritis?
    • 1.8.3 For whom is vaccination against gastroenteritis recommended?
    • 1.8.4 How is the gastroenteritis vaccination done?
    • 1. 8.5 Conclusion
  • 1.9 What if you have acute gastroenteritis?
  • 1.10 When should I see a doctor for acute gastroenteritis?
  • 1.11 Related videos:
  • 1.12 Q&A:
    • • 1.12.0.1 What is acute gastroenteritis?
      • 1.12.0.2 What causes acute gastroenteritis?
      • 1.12.0.3 What are the symptoms associated with acute gastroenteritis?
      • 1.12.0.4 How is acute gastroenteritis treated?
      • 1.12.0.5 How can acute gastroenteritis be prevented?
      • 1.12.0.6 How do I know when to see a doctor for acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is a gastrointestinal disease that is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Find out about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this unpleasant disease in our article.

Acute gastroenteritis is a common condition that causes inflammation of the intestines and stomach. It is transmitted through contact with infected people, food or water contaminated with various pathogens. Most cases of acute gastroenteritis are caused by viruses, but bacteria or parasites can also cause it.

The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis can range from benign to life-threatening in humans and typically appear within hours or days of exposure to the pathogen. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and a hangover are very common. Therefore, it is very important to know the symptoms so that the treatment is not only effective, but also on time.

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis may include antibiotics, rehydration, and a special diet. The most important thing is to drink enough water and engage in cleanliness of the body with the environment. Preventive measures, such as good hygiene, proper food preparation, and being careful when in contact with infected people, can help prevent acute gastroenteritis.

Acute gastroenteritis: what is it?

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This is an acute inflammatory disease affecting the intestinal mucosa.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache and general weakness. Some symptoms may be worse than others, depending on which virus or bacterium is causing the gastroenteritis.

Treating gastroenteritis involves managing symptoms and maintaining the body to allow it to recover. This may include increasing fluid intake to stay hydrated, taking medications to relieve pain, and fluids to regenerate the body.

Prevention of gastroenteritis includes washing hands regularly, eating clean and safe food and water, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and preparing food properly before eating.

Acute gastroenteritis: causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention

Causes of acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is a disease caused by an inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be caused by a variety of things, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

One of the most common viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis is rotavirus. This virus is highly contagious and is transmitted through contact with infected people or objects. Another common virus is norovirus, which is most commonly transmitted through contact with contaminated food.

Parasites such as cryptosporidium and giardia can also cause acute gastroenteritis. They are transmitted through contaminated water or food.

In addition, acute gastroenteritis can be caused by the use of certain medications, such as antibiotics, which kill the good bacteria in the gut and can cause an infection.

It is important to remember that the disease is caused by a pathogen and is transmitted from person to person or through food and water. Therefore, in order to avoid infection, it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

• Viruses: rotavirus, norovirus
• Bacteria: Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter
• Parasites: Cryptosporidium, Giardia
• Medications: Some antibiotics

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Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis begins with acute abdominal pain, tickling in the throat , severe nausea and vomiting. The patient’s body temperature rises, headache, weakness and dizziness may occur.

An increase in heart rate and pressure may be due to dehydration due to diarrhea and vomiting. It is a serious threat to human health, especially for infants, children and the elderly.

Changes in appetite, nausea and vomiting can cause dehydration and nutritional deficiencies in the body, therefore it is necessary to maintain a drinking regimen and eat food containing essential vitamins and minerals.

Acute gastroenteritis can lead to serious complications, so a doctor should be consulted if symptoms occur.

Complications of acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis can cause various complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems and in children. Among the possible complications:

1. Dehydration – loss of fluid and electrolytes can lead to serious consequences, including seizures, low blood pressure, and even death.
2. Electrolyte disturbance – Loss of electrolytes can cause abnormal heart rhythms, muscle cramps, and other problems.
3. Hypoglycemia – Low blood glucose can occur with prolonged vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to weakness, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.
4. Sepsis – Infection can lead to bacterial sepsis, which is a serious life threat.
5. Gastrointestinal disease development – Acute gastroenteritis can cause various gastrointestinal diseases, including stomach and intestinal ulcers.

To avoid complications, it is important to see your doctor at the first sign of acute gastroenteritis and follow his recommendations for treatment and prevention. It is also important to maintain fluid and electrolyte levels in the body, diet and avoid contact with infectious agents.

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis should be aimed at restoring lost fluid and minerals, reducing symptoms, and controlling the underlying cause.

Medicines recommended by your doctor, such as paracetamol, can be taken to reduce fever and stomach pain. Being an effective analgesic, it also reduces body temperature.

As an additional treatment, probiotics, special bacteria that support a healthy intestinal microflora, can be used. They help speed up the recovery of the body and avoid the recurrence of the disease.

It is important to remember that if your condition does not improve within three days, or new symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Acute Gastroenteritis Diet

Gastroenteritis Diet Rules

Acute gastroenteritis requires a special diet that helps to quickly get rid of the symptoms of the disease. With gastroenteritis, it is recommended to reduce the amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the diet, as well as exclude from the menu foods that irritate the stomach and are difficult to digest. For better digestion, you should eat often, but in small portions, eat food in liquid or semi-solid form, and choose the right food temperature.

What can you eat with acute gastroenteritis

• Cereals: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, semolina
• Protein products: skinless chicken, beef, veal, rabbit
• Fish: cod, pike, perch, pike perch, carp
• Vegetables: potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, cauliflower
• Fruits: bananas, apples, pears, grated plums, prunes
• Fermented dairy products: kefir, yogurt, cottage cheese

What not to eat with acute gastroenteritis

• Fatty and fried foods: French fries, fried chicken, fried cheese
• Sausages, sausages, smoked meats and other deli meats
• High fat dairy products: butter, mayonnaise, sour cream
• Sweets: chocolate, candy, marmalade, cake, cakes
• Bread and pastries
• Spicy, sour, salty foods: onions, peppers, marinades, pickled cucumbers, salted nuts

Sample daily menu for gastroenteritis

TimeDish

Breakfast	Semolina porridge on the water, scrambled eggs, black tea
Snack	Yogurt or kefir 90 280
Lunch	Chicken broth, stewed vegetables, boiled meat
Afternoon snack	Grated apple or banana
Dinner	Boiled fish, vegetable salad, tea

Important to remember that a diet for acute gastroenteritis is a necessary measure for a quick recovery. If symptoms do not improve, see a doctor.

Prevention of acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is a disease caused by an infection in the gastrointestinal tract. To prevent the development of gastroenteritis, some precautions must be taken.

The first thing to do to prevent acute gastroenteritis is to wash your hands. Often we touch surfaces that may harbor germs that can cause infection. Therefore, before eating and after going to the toilet, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The second is to take care of your hygiene. Don’t forget to use tissues or paper towels to wash your hands. Never share knives, forks and spoons as they can be a source of infection.

Third – do not eat poorly cooked, improperly stored or expired food. Also, do not eat food that has been prepared in unsanitary conditions.

Fourth – limit contact with sick people. Avoid going to crowded places if there is a possibility of infection.

Fifth – when traveling abroad, you should be extremely careful. Buy products from reliable suppliers and use only high-quality water.

Following these simple steps will protect your body from gastroenteritis and keep you healthy.

Vaccination to prevent acute gastroenteritis

What is vaccination against gastroenteritis?

Vaccination is a measure to prevent infectious diseases, including acute gastroenteritis. The vaccine contains weakened or killed microbes that stimulate a person’s immune system and help create protection against pathogens.

What vaccines are available for acute gastroenteritis?

There are several vaccines available for acute gastroenteritis, including those for rotavirus and hepatitis A. Each is designed to prevent a specific pathogen.

For whom is vaccination against gastroenteritis recommended?

Acute gastroenteritis vaccination is recommended for people of all ages, especially children and people whose activities involve public places such as restaurants, hotels, transportation, etc. Vaccination is also recommended for people who are planning a trip to countries with a low level of sanitary hygiene.

How is the gastroenteritis vaccination done?

Vaccination against acute gastroenteritis can be given either by injection or by mouth. The number of doses and the interval between them depends on the specific vaccine, its type and manufacturer. The effectiveness of the vaccine can reach 80% to 95%, which significantly reduces the risk of gastroenteritis.

Conclusion

Acute gastroenteritis vaccination is an effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease. However, in addition to vaccination, it is important to practice good hygiene to minimize the risk of infection with pathogens of gastroenteritis.

What if you have acute gastroenteritis?

In acute gastroenteritis, the main action to take is to maintain a drinking regimen. The body loses a lot of fluid during illness, so you should consume as much fluid as possible – water, tea, compote. This will help you stay hydrated and help you fight the infection faster. It is recommended to drink in small portions often – every 10-15 minutes, so that the stomach is not overloaded.

Eating should be delayed for a few hours after the onset of the first symptoms in order not to burden the stomach. If you have similar symptoms, you should not eat fatty, spicy, fried foods, as well as dairy products. Light food should be preferred – porridge, boiled fish or chicken broth. Activated charcoal can be taken to bind toxins and relieve swelling of the gastric mucosa.

Peace and quiet are needed to speed up the healing process. You should not engage in physical activity or work for several days, especially if you have a fever. If the symptoms do not stop or the body becomes severely dehydrated, then you need to see a doctor for help.

• Maintain good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, sanitize fruits, vegetables and the common kitchen area before eating.
• Look after your health: if you have any diseases that can cause a weakened immune system, you should take care of your health to avoid any possible problems.
• Avoid getting infected: avoid contact with sick people, do not use their items for food and do not touch them after contact.

When should I see a doctor for acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is a fairly common disease that presents with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and tremors. Although most cases of gastroenteritis can be treated at home, there are times when you need to see a doctor.

The first signs of acute gastroenteritis may appear within hours or days and may lead to significant loss of fluid and electrolytes. If you experience severe abdominal pain or severe diarrhea for more than 24-48 hours, then be sure to consult a doctor. It is also worth contacting your doctor if you have seizures, bloody diarrhea, or find yourself without urine for 12 hours or more.

People with certain health problems, such as weakened immune systems, pregnant women, the elderly, or young children, may experience more serious problems associated with acute gastroenteritis. These categories of people should immediately consult a doctor if they begin to experience symptoms of gastroenteritis.

If you do not know the exact cause of your illness, it is also recommended to see a doctor to rule out the possibility of other serious illnesses such as appendicitis, hepatitis or infectious diseases that can present with the same symptoms as gastroenteritis.

In general, if you have any reason to be concerned about your health, or if you are not sure that you can manage gastroenteritis at home, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. The doctor will be able to conduct an additional examination and provide advice on the necessary treatment.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What is acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is an inflammatory process in the stomach and intestines caused by infectious, nutritional or other factors. It is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and general malaise.

What causes acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis can be caused by infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi. It can also occur due to malnutrition, an allergic reaction, or physical or chemical exposure.

What are the symptoms associated with acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis is manifested by symptoms such as vomiting, headache, general weakness, fever, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Muscle pain, nausea, and loss of appetite may also occur.

How is acute gastroenteritis treated?

Treatment of acute gastroenteritis depends on the cause. In some cases, antiviral or antibiotic therapy may be prescribed. It is also important to maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance by taking in enough fluids and salts. It is possible to prescribe antiemetic and antidiarrheal drugs.

How can acute gastroenteritis be prevented?

To prevent acute gastroenteritis, personal hygiene is essential, washing hands and fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. It is also important not to consume untested foods and drink only bottled water. Ensure proper temperature when storing and preparing food.

How do you know when to see a doctor for acute gastroenteritis?

Seek medical attention if symptoms of acute gastroenteritis persist for more than two days or become severely worse, such as bleeding, fever, or severe abdominal pain. It is also important to see a doctor if the affected person is a pregnant woman, an infant, or an older person, as they may worsen more quickly and need more serious treatment.