Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation, swelling, and irritation of the inside lining of your gastrointestinal tract. A virus causes this illness. It can infect your stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Viral gastroenteritis is very common. In most cases, it lasts only a few days and
doesn’t require treatment. The biggest danger is dehydration from loss of fluid due to diarrhea and vomiting. Several viruses can cause gastroenteritis. Viruses can be found in the vomit and the diarrhea of infected people. It can live for a long time outside the body. People who are infected can spread the virus to objects they touch, especially if they don’t wash their hands after using the bathroom. Food workers with the infection can spread
it to others through food and beverages. Sewage that gets into the water supply can also spread the illness. Although viral gastroenteritis is sometimes called "stomach flu," the seasonal influenza (flu) virus does not cause it. Some of the common viruses that cause gastroenteritis include:
Many other viruses can also cause viral gastroenteritis. What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis usually begin about 1 to 2 days after the virus gets into the body. Common symptoms include:
Other possible symptoms are:
Signs of dehydration:
Signs of dehydration in young children:
How is viral gastroenteritis diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will most likely diagnose your condition based on your history and symptoms. You will rarely need testing. If your symptoms persist, your healthcare provider may ask for a stool sample to look for viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Can viral gastroenteritis be prevented?Vaccines are available to protect children from rotavirus. Healthcare providers give shots to babies before age 6 months. You and your children can help prevent viral gastroenteritis by taking these steps:
How is viral gastroenteritis treated?Specific treatment is usually not needed. In most cases, you simply need to drink plenty of fluids and rest at home until the virus leaves your system. In rare cases, you may need treatment for severe dehydration, with IV (intravenous) fluids. Helpful home care tips include:
When should I call my healthcare provider?Viral gastroenteritis is common in children and adults. In most cases, the disease is not serious and will run its course in a few days. Call your healthcare provider if you or a family member has vomiting or diarrhea that’s not getting better, if you see blood or tar-like stool, or if you have any signs of dehydration. Key points
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
Can you get the stomach bug without throwing up?The infected person may feel very sick and vomit often, sometimes without warning, many times a day. Sometimes people infected with norovirus have no symptoms at all, but can still pass the virus to others.
Can you have a stomach virus without diarrhea?A: Diarrhea or loose bowels is typically, though not always, the main symptom of a bacterial stomach bug. There are many different possible causes of gastroenteritis, including viruses (see viral gastroenteritis), and not every type of stomach flu will result in diarrhea in every person.
Can you have gastro without vomiting and diarrhea?Gastro is not just diarrhoea
Gastro can involve both diarrhoea and/or vomiting, and other symptoms as well. In fact gastro is sometimes called 'stomach flu' because it can also be characterised by nausea, fever and headaches.
Can you have a slight stomach bug?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.
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