What are the common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. How does viral gastroenteritis differ from influenza. When should adults and children seek medical attention for stomach flu symptoms. What are the primary causes of viral gastroenteritis. How can viral gastroenteritis be prevented.

Understanding Viral Gastroenteritis: More Than Just a Stomach Bug

Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as the “stomach flu,” is a common intestinal infection that can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life. Despite its colloquial name, it’s important to note that this condition is not related to influenza, which primarily affects the respiratory system. Instead, viral gastroenteritis targets the intestines, leading to a range of digestive symptoms.

Key Differences Between Viral Gastroenteritis and Influenza

• Influenza affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, lungs)
• Viral gastroenteritis impacts the intestines
• Flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Gastroenteritis primarily causes digestive issues

Understanding these distinctions can help individuals seek appropriate care and manage their symptoms more effectively.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis

Identifying the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis is crucial for proper management and timely medical intervention if necessary. While the severity and duration of symptoms can vary, there are several common indicators to watch for:

• Watery, typically non-bloody diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Low-grade fever

These symptoms usually appear within 1-3 days after infection and can persist for a day or two, though in some cases, they may last up to two weeks.

Is bloody diarrhea a symptom of viral gastroenteritis?

Bloody diarrhea is not typically associated with viral gastroenteritis. If you experience this symptom, it may indicate a more severe infection caused by bacteria or parasites, and you should seek medical attention promptly.

The Culprits Behind Viral Gastroenteritis: Common Causes

Viral gastroenteritis can be caused by several different viruses, with some being more prevalent than others. Understanding these causative agents can help in prevention and management strategies:

Noroviruses: The Leading Cause of Foodborne Illness

Noroviruses are the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide, affecting both children and adults. These highly contagious viruses can spread rapidly through:

• Contaminated food or water
• Close personal contact
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth

Norovirus outbreaks are particularly common in confined spaces such as cruise ships, nursing homes, and schools.

Rotavirus: A Major Concern for Young Children

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children globally. It spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route, often when children put contaminated objects or fingers in their mouths. While a vaccine is available in some countries, rotavirus remains a significant health concern, especially in developing nations.

Transmission and Risk Factors: How Viral Gastroenteritis Spreads

Understanding how viral gastroenteritis spreads is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. The primary modes of transmission include:

1. Consuming contaminated food or water
2. Close contact with an infected person
3. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth
4. Sharing utensils, towels, or food with someone who has the virus

Certain environments and situations can increase the risk of contracting viral gastroenteritis:

• Crowded living conditions (e.g., dormitories, nursing homes)
• Poor sanitation and hygiene practices
• Travel to areas with inadequate water treatment
• Weakened immune system

Can adults spread rotavirus without showing symptoms?

Yes, adults infected with rotavirus may not exhibit symptoms but can still transmit the virus to others. This silent spread is particularly concerning in institutional settings like nursing homes, where vulnerable populations may be at risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention: Recognizing Serious Symptoms

While most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. For adults, these include:

• Inability to keep liquids down for 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two days
• Vomiting blood
• Signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, severe weakness)
• Blood in bowel movements
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever above 104째F (40째C)

When should parents seek medical care for children with gastroenteritis?

For infants and children, immediate medical attention is necessary if:

• The child has a fever of 102째F (38.9째C) or higher
• They appear unusually tired or irritable
• There’s significant discomfort or pain
• Bloody diarrhea is present
• Signs of dehydration are evident (dry mouth, lack of tears, decreased urination)

It’s important to note that vomiting in infants is not a normal occurrence and may require medical evaluation.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Viral Gastroenteritis at Bay

Given that there’s no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis, prevention becomes paramount. Here are some effective strategies to reduce the risk of infection:

1. Practice good hand hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly and frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
2. Avoid contaminated food and water: Be cautious when traveling to areas with poor sanitation
3. Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean high-touch areas, especially if someone in the household is ill
4. Avoid close contact with infected individuals: Maintain distance from those showing symptoms of gastroenteritis
5. Consider vaccination: In countries where it’s available, the rotavirus vaccine can provide protection for infants

How effective is hand sanitizer against norovirus?

While hand sanitizers are effective against many germs, they may not be as effective against norovirus. Thorough handwashing with soap and water is the best defense against this resilient virus.

Managing Symptoms: Home Care for Viral Gastroenteritis

For most cases of viral gastroenteritis, home care is sufficient. The primary goals are to prevent dehydration and manage symptoms:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, clear broths, and oral rehydration solutions
• Gradually reintroduce food: Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, and toast
• Rest: Allow your body time to fight the infection and recover
• Avoid certain substances: Steer clear of dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can worsen symptoms
• Use over-the-counter medications judiciously: Consult with a healthcare provider before using anti-diarrheal medications, as they may prolong the infection in some cases

Are probiotics beneficial for recovering from viral gastroenteritis?

Some studies suggest that probiotics may help shorten the duration of diarrhea associated with viral gastroenteritis. However, more research is needed to definitively establish their effectiveness. Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any probiotic regimen.

Special Considerations: Viral Gastroenteritis in Vulnerable Populations

While viral gastroenteritis is often a self-limiting condition in healthy individuals, certain groups face higher risks of complications:

• Infants and young children: At risk of severe dehydration and nutritional deficiencies
• Older adults: May experience more severe symptoms and prolonged recovery
• Immunocompromised individuals: Higher risk of severe and potentially life-threatening infections
• Pregnant women: May require special care to ensure the health of both mother and fetus

For these vulnerable populations, early medical intervention and close monitoring are crucial to prevent serious complications.

How does viral gastroenteritis affect pregnant women differently?

Pregnant women with viral gastroenteritis may be at higher risk of dehydration, which can potentially affect fetal development. Additionally, severe vomiting can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Pregnant women should seek medical advice promptly if they develop symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Viral gastroenteritis, while common, can range from a mild inconvenience to a serious health threat depending on the individual and circumstances. By understanding its symptoms, causes, and prevention strategies, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from this widespread illness. Remember, while most cases resolve on their own, it’s crucial to recognize when medical attention is necessary, especially for vulnerable populations. Stay informed, practice good hygiene, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed to effectively manage viral gastroenteritis.

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) – 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.

Products & Services

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

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.