What are the main symptoms of norovirus infection. How is norovirus transmitted. What are the most effective treatments for norovirus. How long does a norovirus infection typically last. Who is at highest risk for severe norovirus infection. How can norovirus outbreaks be prevented. When should you seek medical care for suspected norovirus.

Understanding Norovirus: The Leading Cause of Viral Gastroenteritis

Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, responsible for millions of cases each year. This highly contagious virus can affect people of all ages, though certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding how norovirus spreads is crucial for proper management and prevention of outbreaks.

What exactly is norovirus?

Norovirus is a group of viruses that cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to acute gastroenteritis. It’s often referred to as the “stomach flu,” although it’s not related to influenza. Norovirus is known for its ability to spread rapidly, especially in closed environments like cruise ships, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Recognizing Norovirus Infection: Key Symptoms and Their Onset

Norovirus infection typically manifests with a characteristic set of symptoms that develop rapidly, usually within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Understanding these symptoms can help in early identification and proper management of the illness.

What are the primary symptoms of norovirus infection?

The main symptoms of norovirus infection include:

• Sudden onset of nausea
• Frequent vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Low-grade fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

These symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, but they typically last for 1 to 3 days in healthy individuals. However, some people, especially young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, may experience more prolonged or severe symptoms.

How quickly do norovirus symptoms appear after exposure?

The incubation period for norovirus is relatively short. Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. This rapid onset is one of the reasons why norovirus can spread so quickly in group settings.

Transmission of Norovirus: Understanding the Spread

Norovirus is notorious for its ease of transmission, which contributes to its ability to cause large outbreaks. Understanding how the virus spreads is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies.

How is norovirus transmitted?

Norovirus can spread through multiple routes:

1. Direct contact with an infected person
2. Consuming contaminated food or water
3. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth
4. Inhaling airborne particles after someone with the virus vomits or flushes a toilet

The virus is extremely contagious, with as few as 18 viral particles capable of causing infection. This low infectious dose, combined with the virus’s ability to survive on surfaces for long periods, makes it challenging to control outbreaks once they begin.

Diagnosis and Treatment: Managing Norovirus Infection

While norovirus infection is often self-limiting in healthy individuals, proper diagnosis and management are important, especially for high-risk groups. Understanding the available treatment options can help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

How is norovirus infection diagnosed?

Norovirus infection is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and the pattern of illness, especially during known outbreaks. In some cases, particularly in healthcare settings or during large outbreaks, stool samples may be tested to confirm the presence of the virus. Rapid diagnostic tests are available but are not routinely used in individual cases.

What are the most effective treatments for norovirus?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for norovirus infection. Management focuses on supportive care and preventing complications, particularly dehydration. Key treatment strategies include:

• Fluid replacement: Oral rehydration solutions are crucial to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Rest: Allowing the body to recover and fight off the infection.
• Gradual reintroduction of food: Starting with bland, easily digestible foods as symptoms improve.
• Over-the-counter medications: Antipyretics for fever and anti-diarrheal agents (used cautiously and avoided in young children).

In severe cases, especially in high-risk individuals, hospitalization may be necessary for intravenous fluid replacement and close monitoring.

High-Risk Groups: Who’s Most Vulnerable to Severe Norovirus Infection?

While norovirus can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness and complications. Identifying these vulnerable populations is crucial for targeted prevention and management strategies.

Who is at highest risk for severe norovirus infection?

The groups most vulnerable to severe norovirus infection include:

• Young children, especially those under 5 years old
• Older adults, particularly those in long-term care facilities
• People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer patients, and organ transplant recipients
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease
• Pregnant women

These high-risk groups are more likely to experience prolonged symptoms, severe dehydration, and other complications that may require hospitalization. Special attention should be given to preventing infection in these populations and ensuring prompt medical care if symptoms develop.

Prevention Strategies: Stopping Norovirus in Its Tracks

Given the highly contagious nature of norovirus and the lack of a vaccine, prevention is key in controlling its spread. Implementing effective preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection and outbreaks.

How can norovirus outbreaks be prevented?

Preventing norovirus outbreaks requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Proper hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
2. Proper food handling: Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking shellfish completely, and avoiding food preparation when sick.
3. Surface disinfection: Using chlorine bleach-based cleaners on contaminated surfaces, as alcohol-based sanitizers are less effective against norovirus.
4. Isolation of infected individuals: People with norovirus should stay home and avoid preparing food for others for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
5. Proper handling of contaminated items: Carefully disposing of vomit and fecal matter, and thoroughly cleaning contaminated clothing and linens.

In institutional settings like schools, hospitals, and cruise ships, strict adherence to these preventive measures is crucial to prevent large-scale outbreaks.

When to Seek Medical Care: Recognizing Severe Cases

While most cases of norovirus infection resolve on their own, some situations warrant medical attention. Recognizing the signs of severe illness or complications is important for timely intervention.

When should you seek medical care for suspected norovirus?

Seek medical attention if you or someone you’re caring for experiences:

• Signs of severe dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urination, dizziness)
• Bloody stools
• Persistent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
• Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
• High fever (above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Severe abdominal pain

For infants, young children, and elderly individuals, medical care should be sought earlier, as they are more susceptible to rapid dehydration and other complications.

Global Impact: Norovirus as a Public Health Concern

Norovirus is not just a personal health issue; it has significant implications for public health and the global economy. Understanding its broader impact can help emphasize the importance of prevention and control measures.

What is the global burden of norovirus infections?

Norovirus is responsible for:

• An estimated 685 million cases of acute gastroenteritis annually worldwide
• Approximately 200 million cases in children under 5 years old
• About 50,000 child deaths each year, primarily in developing countries
• Significant economic losses due to healthcare costs and lost productivity

In the United States alone, norovirus causes 19-21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis each year, leading to 56,000-71,000 hospitalizations and 570-800 deaths, mostly among young children and the elderly.

How does norovirus impact different sectors of society?

The impact of norovirus extends beyond individual health:

1. Healthcare systems: Increased burden during outbreaks, with potential for nosocomial spread
2. Education: School closures and absenteeism during outbreaks
3. Tourism and hospitality: Negative impact on cruise ship industry and restaurants
4. Workplace productivity: Lost work days due to illness and caring for sick family members
5. Food industry: Recalls and reputation damage from foodborne outbreaks

These wide-ranging effects underscore the importance of comprehensive prevention strategies and public health initiatives to control norovirus spread.

Emerging Research: Future Directions in Norovirus Management

As our understanding of norovirus evolves, researchers are exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and control. Staying informed about these developments can provide hope for improved management of norovirus infections in the future.

What are some promising areas of norovirus research?

Current research focuses on several key areas:

• Vaccine development: Efforts to create an effective norovirus vaccine are ongoing, with some candidates in clinical trials.
• Antiviral therapies: Research into specific antiviral treatments that could shorten the duration of illness or reduce symptom severity.
• Improved diagnostics: Development of faster, more accurate diagnostic tools for early detection and outbreak control.
• Understanding viral evolution: Studying how norovirus strains change over time to improve vaccine and treatment strategies.
• Environmental interventions: Exploring new methods for disinfection and environmental control of the virus.

These research directions offer hope for more effective prevention and management of norovirus infections in the future, potentially reducing its global health and economic impact.

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.

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.

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.

ENTEROVIRUS INFECTION

Enteroviruses are so named because after infection they multiply initially in the gastrointestinal tract. Despite this, they usually do not cause intestinal symptoms, most often they actively spread and cause symptoms and diseases of such organs as: heart, skin, lungs, brain and spinal cord. Enteroviruses are found throughout the world, but infection most often occurs in areas with poor hygiene and high overcrowding. The virus is most often transmitted by the fecal-oral route, as well as through contaminated food or water. Inhalation of certain strains of the virus into the body can lead to respiratory diseases. Breast milk contains antibodies that can protect newborns. The incubation period for most enteroviruses is 2 to 14 days. In temperate regions, infections occur mainly in summer and autumn.

Enterovirus most often enters the human body through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) or respiratory tract. Once in the gastrointestinal tract, viruses stop in the local lymph nodes where they begin the first stage of reproduction. Around the third day after infection, the viruses enter the bloodstream and begin to circulate throughout the body. On the 3-7th day, viruses with blood can enter the organ systems where the second stage of reproduction can begin and, as a result, cause various diseases. The production of antibodies to the virus occurs during the first 7-10 days.

Symptoms and signs of enterovirus infection

Enteroviruses cause a huge number of infections per year. More than 90% of these cases are either asymptomatic or cause a nonspecific febrile illness. Usually the range of symptoms is very wide, but in most cases it almost always includes: fever (increase in body temperature up to 39-40 ° C), general weakness, headache, muscle pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Enteroviruses entering the human body can cause several symptoms.

• Runny nose and stuffy nose and sinuses , sore nose, sore throat, earache, difficulty swallowing, loss of smell or taste.
• Nausea, indigestion, reflux, bloating , upper and lower abdominal pain, cramps, constipation alternating with diarrhoea.
• Rapid weight loss due to indigestion and reduced calorie intake or weight gain due to inactivity.
• Numbness in limbs , muscle twitching and spasms. Facial tingling and numbness may be observed.
• Miscellaneous headaches (acute, aching, throbbing).
• Pain in bones, muscles and joints . Leg pain is quite common.
• Chest pain and tightness, palpitations .
• Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing .
• Heart rhythm disorder (arrhythmias) or tachycardia (palpitations)
• Intermittent fever – characterized by a rapid, significant increase in temperature (38-40 ° C), which lasts for several hours, and then is replaced by its rapid fall to normal values), chills and severe night sweats.
• Blurred vision, reduced visual acuity .
• Blisters or ulcerations in the mouth, pharynx and, in women, in the vagina/cervix .
• Psychological problems – Anxiety or depression.
• Problems with concentration . Cognitive problems, short-term memory problems.
• Sleep disorder .
• Seizures are rare but do occur.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits
• Rash

It is impossible to talk about any specific symptoms characteristic of the entire group of enteroviruses in addition to those listed above, but it is possible to group the symptoms manifested in complications of enterovirus infection:

Treatment of enterovirus infection . The basis is symptomatic and supportive treatment. Bed rest, plenty of fluids, vitamins, antipyretic in case of high temperature. Do not forget that even if the slightest and slightest symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, especially if the child has symptoms! DO NOT SELF-MEDICATED!

Prevention

General hygiene and frequent handwashing are effective in reducing the spread of these viruses. If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based “hand sanitizer”. It is important to note that breast milk contains antibodies that can protect the baby.

Enteroviral infection | uzalo48.lipetsk

Enterovirus infection (EVI) is a disease caused by enteroviruses that are very resistant in the external environment.

Enteroviruses tolerate low temperatures well : in a frozen state, the activity of enteroviruses persists for many years, in a refrigerator they persist for several weeks, in tap water they survive up to 18 days, in river water – about a month, in treated wastewater – up to two months.

The source of the disease is a sick person or a carrier. You can get infected through contaminated food, water, objects that surround a person, dirty hands, as well as through the air when sneezing, coughing, talking. Risk factors are also swimming in virus-contaminated water bodies, eating unwashed vegetables and fruits, and drinking water of dubious quality.

Viruses enter the human body through the mouth or upper respiratory tract. The period from the entry of the virus into the human body until the first clinical signs appear is the same for all EVIs – from 2 to 10 days, more often 2-5 days. The disease begins acutely – with an increase in body temperature to 38-39º C, which most often lasts 3-5 days, then decreases to normal numbers. Very often the temperature has a wave-like course. When the temperature rises, a person, especially a child, feels weakness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting may occur.

Enteroviruses can infect different body systems – central and peripheral nervous systems, oropharyngeal mucosa, eye mucosa, skin, muscles, heart, intestinal mucosa, liver, therefore there are several forms of enterovirus infection.

The most severe diseases occur when the nervous system is damaged , when serous meningitis and encephalitis develop. These diseases are characterized by an acute onset, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fever up to 39-40 ⁰ C, convulsions, paresis and paralysis, loss of consciousness.

When the oropharyngeal mucosa is affected, enteroviral herpangina develops when there is an increase in body temperature, general intoxication (weakness, headache, drowsiness) and a rash in the form of fluid-filled vesicles on the oropharyngeal mucosa and tonsils. The bubbles burst, and in their place ulcers are formed, filled with white bloom. After recovery, no traces remain at the site of the sores.

In case of skin lesions , exanthema may appear – reddening of the skin, most often on the upper half of the body (head, chest, arms) and the appearance of a rash of various types, similar to a rash with rubella, measles, which usually appears on the 1-2 day of the disease and disappears after 4-6 days.

If the intestinal mucosa is affected, loose stools are observed. Symptoms of the disease – as with an intestinal infection. Stools of normal color (yellow or brown), liquid, without various (mucus, blood) impurities. The appearance of loose stools can be both against the background of an increase in temperature, and without it.

If the eyes of are affected, conjunctivitis develops, which manifests itself in the form of photophobia, lacrimation, redness and swelling of the eyes. There may be hemorrhages in the conjunctiva of the eye.

When muscles are damaged develops myositis – pain in the muscles. Pain appears on the background of an increase in temperature. Soreness is observed in the chest, arms and legs. When the body temperature decreases, the pain decreases or disappears completely.

Enteroviral infections can affect various parts of the heart with the development of myocarditis and pericarditis, and with liver damage, acute hepatitis develops.

To make a diagnosis of enterovirus infection in patients, depending on the clinical manifestations, nasal swabs, pharynx or feces, cerebrospinal fluid are taken for examination. Research is carried out in a virological laboratory.

There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infection. Treatment is carried out symptomatically, depending on the manifestations of the infection – tonsillitis, conjunctivitis, myositis, loose stools, heart damage, encephalitis, meningitis, hepatitis, exanthema. If necessary, carry out the prevention of bacterial complications. If symptoms of an enterovirus infection appear, you should consult a doctor.

Prevention of enterovirus infection

Personal hygiene must be observed. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before preparing food, before eating, after coming home from the street and using the toilet.

Keep children’s hands clean, teach them to observe personal hygiene measures from childhood. Wash door handles, faucets, toilet flush handles. Wash and keep children’s toys clean regularly.

Do not swim or allow children to swim in waters where it is not recommended or prohibited. Swim only in permitted areas, teach children not to swallow water when bathing.

Do not use water from open reservoirs for drinking and household needs (in exceptional cases only after boiling for 5-7 minutes), water from the well must be boiled. Drink only boiled or bottled water.

Thoroughly wash fruits, berries, vegetables under running tap water, and for small children, it is advisable to wash fruits with boiled water or scald with hot boiled water after washing.

When buying, be sure to read the expiration dates and storage conditions of food products indicated on the packaging, strictly follow them in everyday life. Keep track of the food in the refrigerator. Pack each product in a separate clean package, keep products from contamination. Do not allow contact between products that have not passed and have undergone culinary (thermal) processing.