An infection of the intestines that usually causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever (less common) is called viral gastroenteritis. People usually develop this condition through close contact with an infected person or by eating contaminated water or food. This condition is also known as stomach flu and in most cases, healthy people recover without any complications. However, if it occurs in infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, this condition may be fatal.
However, there are no effective treatment options for viral gastroenteritis but you can take measures to prevent it. For example, do not eat foods or drink liquids that may be contaminated, and regularly wash your hands.
Symptoms
While this condition is also called stomach flu it is not the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) is a health condition in which the respiratory system (including the nose, throat, and lungs) is affected only. Check below some symptoms that usually happen in people with stomach flu:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Muscle aches or headaches (less common)
- Low-grade fever
- Watery diarrhea usually without blood (if blood is present in the stool, it usually indicates a more serious infection)
The symptoms appear differently among people and range between mild to severe and occur depending on the cause. Commonly, symptoms start within 3 days after exposure to the virus and last roughly 2 weeks.
Sometimes, viral gastroenteritis is mistaken for viral diarrhea because the symptoms are very similar. However, viral diarrhea is caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile, salmonella, and Escherichia coli, or parasites (including giardia).
You should immediately contact a healthcare professional if the following symptoms occur. For example:
Adults
- Vomiting blood
- Dehydration symptoms (including thirst, dry mouth, severe weakness, dizziness, and others)
- High fever
- Severe stomach pain
- Persistent diarrhea
Infants and Children
- Bloody diarrhea
- Irritability
- Tiredness
- High fever
- Dehydration
In addition, babies may vomit due to different reasons and it is advised to seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms happen. For example:
- Frequent vomiting
- Bloody stools
- Severe diarrhea
- Sunken soft spot (fontanel)
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Causes
In most cases, people get viral gastroenteritis while eating contaminated food or water. Moreover, you may become infected if you share your utensils, towels, or food with someone with the virus. Check below some viruses that cause this condition:
- Noroviruses – These viruses are the most common cause of foodborne conditions worldwide and affect both adults and children. Moreover, this virus can spread among people, especially in confined spaces. People get this virus usually from contaminated food or water or by touching surfaces contaminated with norovirus.
- Rotavirus – This virus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis in children worldwide. It occurs because they put in the mouth their fingers or objects that may be contaminated with the virus. Furthermore, the infection is most severe in children and infants.Adults with rotavirus may not experience any symptoms but can spread the virus to other people. However, there is a vaccine available in some countries (including the United States) that seems to help prevent the infection.
Risk Factors
Anyone may develop this viral condition. Check below which people are more prone to get it:
- Young children – For instance, children in childcare centers or elementary schools are more likely to get viral gastroenteritis.
- Older adults – The immune system tends to weaken with aging, which makes them more likely to develop this infection.
- Schoolchildren or dormitory residents – The infection can spread to other people easily, especially in groups of people that come together in close quarters.
- People with weakened immune systems – If you have a weakened immune system, you are at increased risk of getting the virus. In most cases, the immune system becomes weakened due to HIV infection, chemotherapy, or other health conditions.
There are some seasons in which gastrointestinal viruses are more active. For instance, if you are living in the Northern Hemisphere, you are more likely to get rotavirus or norovirus infections in the spring and winter.
Complications
The primary complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration (a condition that leads to severe loss of water and other vital minerals and salt). If you are healthy and drink plenty of water, you may not experience this complication.
Additionally, older adults, infants, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more serious dehydration that requires hospitalization. Therefore, you will receive fluids intravenously. However, dehydration may lead to death but in rare cases.
How to Prevent Viral Gastroenteritis?
By considering the following steps, you can prevent this condition. For example:
- Vaccination – Getting the vaccine against gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus usually prevents severe symptoms of the condition. Children usually receive it within the first year of life.
- Regularly wash your hands – It is advised to make sure your children wash their hands with soap and warm water, especially after the toilet. In addition, you should wash your hands each time you change a diaper and before preparing or eating food. You can use sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Do not share eating utensils, drinking glasses, and plates. You should also use separate towels in the bathroom.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before preparing or eating them. It is also recommended to clean kitchen surfaces before preparing food and avoid preparing it if you are sick.
- Regularly disinfect hard surfaces if you have a family member with viral gastroenteritis.
Check below some tips that may help prevent infection while traveling:
- Avoid drinking water from unknown sources, use only well-sealed bottled or carbonated water.
- Do not add in your beverage ice cubes because they may be made from contaminated water.
- Moreover, you should bottled water even when you brush your teeth.
- Do not consume raw food (including peeled fruits, raw vegetables, and salads
- You also should not eat raw or undercooked meat or fish
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose stomach flu based on symptoms, a physical examination, and tests. Usually, a stool test is enough to determine if you have rotavirus or norovirus. However, there are other tests available that can identify other viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis.
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for people with this viral infection. It usually involves self-care measures (such as staying hydrated). In addition, medicines such as antibiotics cannot be used because are not effective against viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does viral gastroenteritis last?
In most cases, it lasts 1-2 days but may last up to 2 weeks.
Is viral gastroenteritis contagious?
The viruses that cause this infection are very contagious and can easily spread to other people. Discuss with your healthcare professional about precautionary measures you should take.
What are the potential complications of viral gastroenteritis?
These include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Transient lactose intolerance
- Malabsorption
- Dehydration
- Sepsis
- Systemic infections (including arthritis, pneumonia, meningitis, and others)
Immediately contact your healthcare provider if any of the previous complications happen. If you have additional questions, ask your doctor.
