Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection manifested by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting or nausea and sometimes there is fever.
Viral gastroenteritis is also known as stomach flu. A person can be affected by this condition through contact with an infected person or by drinking or eating contaminated food and water. Viral gastroenteritis is dangerous to infants and older people. Thorough washing of hands is the best defense for viral gastroenteritis.
Symptoms
Gastroenteritis is not the same as influenza, known as the flu that affects the respiratory system which is the nose, throat, and lungs, while gastroenteritis attacks the intestines that have signs and symptoms such as the following:
- Nausea and vomiting as well as low-grade fever
- Watery, bloody diarrhea caused by a severe infections
- Abdominal cramps and pain and sometimes there is muscle ache and headache
The symptoms of the gastroenteritis usually occur within one to three days after the person has been infected and it can range from mild to severe. The infection lasts for one day or two, sometimes as long as ten days.
Symptoms for infants and children
- The child has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher
- The child experiences pain and discomfort
- The child is very irritable and lethargic
- Blood-streaked diarrhea
- The infant vomits for more than several hours
- Sunken fontanel located on the top of the baby’s head
- The infant is sleepy, drowsy and not responsive
- The infant has dry mouth and cries without a tears
Causes of viral gastroenteritis
People can be infected by viral gastroenteritis when eating or drinking contaminated food and water, and also sharing of utensils, sharing personal belongings like towel of the person who is infected by this condition.
Viruses that causes gastroenteritis
- Noroviruses – it affects both children and adults, and it is the most common cause of the illness. It can affect families and communities, affects people living in crowded places, and people in these places can have this condition from contaminated food and water, and also people in these places can have this virus through contact with an infected person.
- Rotavirus – it affects children when putting their fingers or objects that are contaminated with the virus into the mouth, and it is most severe in infants and young children.
Treatment and home remedies
- If the person is suffering from gastroenteritis and for prevention of dehydration, let the stomach settle for a while, and stop eating solid food for a few hours.
- Take small sips of water or broths and non-caffeinated sports drinks.
- Avoiding dairy products, caffeine, alcohol and fatty some seasoned foods.
- Encourage plenty of rest.
The best way to prevent the spread of infection is having every child vaccinated against gastroenteritis and washing of hands thoroughly after using toilets. You can learn more about hygienic measures by enrolling in a first aid course today.
Disinfecting hard surfaces like tables, kitchen counters, by mixing two cups of bleaching solution to one gallon of water.