Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

Viral gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, is a common illness caused by a virus affecting your intestines. This infection can cause symptoms like loose, watery stools (diarrhea), stomach aches, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), or throwing up (vomiting). Sometimes, you might also have a fever.

Most people get viral gastroenteritis from close contact with someone who has it, or by eating or drinking something contaminated. If you're generally healthy, your body usually fights it off and you get better without needing special care. However, for young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, this infection can be serious, even life-threatening.

Unfortunately, there's no medicine to cure viral gastroenteritis. The best way to protect yourself is to prevent getting it in the first place. This means avoiding food or water that might be contaminated, and frequently and thoroughly washing your hands. Washing your hands, especially after using the restroom and before preparing or eating food, is crucial in stopping the spread of the virus.

"Stomach flu" is a common name, but it's not exactly accurate. The flu, or influenza, only affects your breathing system (nose, throat, and lungs). Gastroenteritis, however, is a different illness that affects your intestines. This causes several symptoms:

• Loose, watery stools (diarrhea): If your diarrhea is bloody, it's likely a more serious infection and you should see a doctor right away.
• Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) and/or throwing up (vomiting): This can be a very unpleasant part of the illness.
• Stomach aches and pains: These can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping.
• Muscle aches and/or headaches: These are less common but can still occur.
• A mild fever: A low-grade fever is sometimes present.

Gastroenteritis, often caused by a virus, usually shows up 1 to 3 days after exposure. The illness can range from mild to severe. Most of the time, symptoms last only a day or two, but they can sometimes last up to two weeks.

It's easy to mistake gastroenteritis for other infections, because the symptoms are similar. For example, diarrhea can also be caused by bacteria (like Clostridium difficile, Salmonella, and E. coli) or parasites (like Giardia). If you're unsure about the cause of your symptoms, it's important to talk to a doctor.

If you're an adult and are experiencing any of the following, contact your doctor right away:

• You can't keep down any liquids for a full day (24 hours). This is a serious sign that your body isn't absorbing fluids, and you risk becoming dehydrated.
• You've been throwing up or having diarrhea for more than two days. This prolonged illness can lead to significant fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances.
• You're vomiting blood. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate attention.
• You're dehydrated. Dehydration can happen quickly, and recognizing the signs is important. Symptoms include: feeling very thirsty, a dry mouth, pee that's a very dark yellow or you're not peeing much, and/or feeling weak, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• You see blood in your bowel movements (stool). Blood in your stool can indicate a problem with your digestive system and needs to be checked by a doctor.
• You have severe stomach pain. Severe pain could signal a more serious issue, like an infection or other problem, and needs to be evaluated.
• You have a fever above 104°F (40°C). A high fever can be a sign of infection or other illness and should be addressed by a doctor.

Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about your health.

Viral gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, is usually caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. It can also spread if you share food, utensils, or towels with someone who has the virus.

Several viruses can cause this illness:

• Norovirus: This is the most common cause of food poisoning globally, affecting both adults and children. Norovirus outbreaks can quickly spread through families and groups of people, especially in places where people are close together, like schools or cruise ships. You usually get norovirus from contaminated food or water. It can also spread quickly from person to person if you touch something contaminated and then your mouth. For example, if someone with norovirus touches a doorknob and then you touch the doorknob without washing your hands, you could get sick.

• Rotavirus: This virus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis in young children worldwide. Children often get it by putting contaminated objects or fingers in their mouths. It can also spread through contaminated food. Rotavirus is most serious for babies and toddlers. While adults might not show symptoms, they can still spread the virus. This is a concern in places like hospitals and nursing homes, where adults can unknowingly pass the virus to others. A vaccine for rotavirus is available in many countries, including the U.S., and is very effective at preventing infection.

Other factors can contribute to getting viral gastroenteritis:

• Raw or undercooked shellfish: Eating raw or undercooked oysters, for instance, can sometimes cause the illness.
• Contaminated water: Drinking water contaminated with the virus can also lead to diarrhea.
• Poor hygiene: A major cause of the spread is simply poor hygiene. If someone doesn't wash their hands after using the bathroom and then prepares food, they can easily spread the virus to others who eat that food. This is why frequent and thorough handwashing is crucial in preventing the spread of these viruses.

Gastroenteritis, a stomach bug, is common worldwide and affects people of all ages. It's an infection of the stomach and intestines.

Some people are more likely to get gastroenteritis than others:

• Young children: Young children, especially those in daycare or school, are more vulnerable. Their immune systems are still developing, and haven't learned how to fight off many common germs yet.
• Older adults: As people age, their immune systems often weaken. This makes older adults, especially those in nursing homes where close contact is common, more susceptible. Living in close quarters with others increases the chances of catching the illness.
• School-aged children and college students: Crowded living situations, like schools or dormitories, can easily spread germs causing gastroenteritis. Close contact between many people in a small space makes it easier to catch the infection.
• People with weakened immune systems: If your immune system is already struggling to fight off infections (like people with HIV/AIDS, those undergoing chemotherapy, or individuals with other health conditions), you are at a higher risk for getting sick with gastroenteritis. Your body's defenses are lower, making it harder to resist the infection.

Different types of stomach viruses are more common during certain times of the year. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, viruses like rotavirus and norovirus are more common during the winter and spring months.

Viral gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, is mostly not serious. The biggest problem it causes is dehydration. Dehydration happens when you lose a lot of water and important salts and minerals.

If you're healthy and drink plenty of fluids to replace what you lose through vomiting and diarrhea, you likely won't get dehydrated. But, for some people, dehydration can be a real concern. Babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems might lose more fluids than they can take in. This can lead to severe dehydration. In these cases, they might need to be hospitalized. Hospital treatment often includes replacing lost fluids through a tube (IV) in their arm. While rare, dehydration can sometimes be life-threatening.

Protecting your family from stomach bugs is important. Here's how:

1. Vaccines: In some countries, like the US, there's a vaccine for a common stomach bug called rotavirus. This vaccine, usually given to babies during their first year, can help prevent severe illness from rotavirus.

2. Handwashing: Washing your hands, and your children's hands, is crucial. Teach older children to wash their hands, especially after using the bathroom. Wash hands after changing diapers, before preparing or eating food, and after touching anything that might be contaminated. Use warm, soapy water, and scrub for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to your fingertips, under your nails, and around your cuticles. Rinse well. Keep hand sanitizer and wipes handy for when soap and water aren't available.

3. Separate Items: Don't share eating utensils, cups, plates, or towels. This helps prevent the spread of germs.

4. Safe Food Handling: Always wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. Clean kitchen surfaces thoroughly before preparing food. If you're feeling sick, don't prepare food for others.

5. Social Distance: If someone in your family has a stomach bug, try to limit close contact with them as much as possible.

6. Disinfect Surfaces: If someone has a stomach bug, clean hard surfaces like countertops, sinks, and doorknobs. Use a bleach solution (mix 5-25 tablespoons of household bleach with 1 gallon of water). This helps kill germs.

7. Laundry Precautions: If someone has a stomach bug, wear gloves when handling laundry that may have come into contact with the virus. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water and dry them on high heat. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling laundry.

8. Childcare Considerations: If your child attends a childcare center, check that they have separate areas for changing diapers and preparing food. The diaper-changing area should have a sink and a proper waste disposal system.

Doctors usually diagnose stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) by looking at your symptoms, checking you over, and seeing if other people in your area are also sick. A quick stool test can sometimes find viruses like rotavirus or norovirus, but there aren't fast tests for all the viruses that can cause stomach flu. Sometimes, your doctor might ask you to give a stool sample to check for bacteria or parasites that could also be making you sick.

Viral gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, typically doesn't need specific medicine from a doctor. Since antibiotics fight bacteria, not viruses, they won't help. The best approach is usually taking care of yourself at home. This primarily means staying well-hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, like water, helps replace lost fluids and prevents dehydration.

Recovering from a Stomach Bug: Tips for You and Your Child

When someone, especially a child, has a stomach infection (like gastroenteritis), the most important thing is to replace lost fluids and minerals (electrolytes). This helps prevent dehydration and makes recovery faster. Here's how:

Replacing Lost Fluids:

• Oral Rehydration Solutions: These solutions are readily available at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. They are specifically designed to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. Always check with your doctor if you have any questions about how to use it, especially for infants. Plain water isn't as effective in replacing these important minerals, and fruit juices like apple juice can actually make diarrhea worse.

• Infants: If your baby is vomiting or has diarrhea, let their tummy rest for a short while (15-20 minutes). Then, offer small sips of liquid. Breastfeeding is great, or if bottle-feeding, offer a small amount of oral rehydration solution or formula. Never dilute your baby's formula.

• Older Children and Adults: Let your stomach rest for a few hours after vomiting or diarrhea. Start by sipping on small amounts of clear liquids frequently. Good choices include:

  • Water
  • Clear broths (chicken or vegetable)
  • Clear sodas (no caffeine)
  • Oral rehydration solutions
  • Non-caffeinated sports drinks
  • Ice chips (these are often helpful for nausea)

Easing Back to Normal:

• Food Gradually: Once you feel up to it, you can slowly return to your usual diet. Start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like:

  • Soda crackers
  • Soup
  • Oatmeal
  • Noodles
  • Bananas
  • Rice
  • Toast
  • Yogurt
  • Fruits and vegetables (once you're feeling better).
  • If nausea returns, stop eating and wait until it subsides.

• Foods to Avoid: Until you feel better, avoid:

  • Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
  • Alcohol
  • Nicotine
  • Fatty or highly seasoned foods
  • Sugary foods (ice cream, candy, soda)

• Rest: Your body needs rest to fight off the illness. Get plenty of sleep.

• Medications (Important Note): Some over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medications, like loperamide (Imodium A-D) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), might help with symptoms. However, if you have bloody diarrhea or a fever, it's crucial to consult your doctor, as this could indicate a more serious issue. Avoid giving store-bought anti-diarrheal medication to children unless advised by a doctor. These medications can sometimes slow the body's ability to clear the virus.

Important Reminders for Children:

Once your child is rehydrated, gradually introduce them back to their usual diet. Start with small portions of familiar, easy-to-digest foods. Avoid sugary drinks and foods that can worsen diarrhea. Get plenty of rest.