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Email alerts Article Activity Alert. Newest Articles Alert. Latest Issue Alert. News Latest News Archive. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of your stomach and intestines caused by one of any number of viruses.
Also known as the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis affects people throughout the world. This highly contagious illness spreads through close contact with people who are infected or through contaminated food or water. Different viruses can cause the illness, each with their own peak season. The most common viruses include norovirus and rotavirus.
There are steps you can take to lower your chances of contracting the viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis. These include frequent hand-washing and avoiding contaminated water and food products. Some of the ways the virus is transmitted include:. Norovirus is highly contagious and can affect anyone at any age.
Norovirus is common in crowded spaces. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , most people with norovirus feel better within one to three days of experiencing symptoms. Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States and worldwide. Most outbreaks in the United States occur between November and April.
Rotavirus commonly affects infants and young children. They can then spread the infection to other children and adults. A rotavirus vaccine was approved for infants in Early vaccination is recommended to prevent severe rotavirus illnesses in infants and small children. The adenovirus affects people of all ages. It can cause several conditions, including gastroenteritis. Adenovirus is contracted through the air via sneezing and coughing, by touching contaminated objects, or by touching the hands of someone with the virus.
Children in day care, especially those ages 6 months to 2 years , are more likely to get adenovirus. Most children will feel better within a few days of experiencing adenovirus symptoms. However, symptoms such as pink eye may take longer to go away.
Astrovirus is another virus that commonly causes gastroenteritis in children. Symptoms associated with astrovirus include:. Drink small amounts at a time, don't guzzle it down. If you are very dehydrated, sports drinks aren't a good choice. They have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes. In this case, commercially available products called oral rehydration solutions are best.
Don't force yourself to eat, especially if you have cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea. Don't eat large amounts at a time, even if you are hungry. It may make you feel worse. Beverages: Water, clear liquids, soft drinks without caffeine; ginger ale, mineral water plain or flavored , decaffeinated tea and coffee. During the next 24 hours the second day you may add the following to the above if you have improved:.
Limit fat intake to less than 15 grams per day by avoiding margarine, butter, oils, mayonnaise, sauces, gravies, fried foods, peanut butter, meat, poultry and fish. If at any time the diarrhea or cramping gets worse, go back to the simpler diet above or to clear liquids. Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Call if you are not improving within 24 hours or if the diarrhea lasts more than one week. This is especially true if you are in a high-risk group. For example, if you are very elderly, have a weak immune system from cancer treatment for example , or you have inflammatory bowel disease Crohn's or colitis.
Was this helpful? Yes No Tell us more. Check all that apply. Viral gastroenteritis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Viral gastroenteritis The stomach, small intestine and large intestine colon are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu?
Stomach flu: How long am I contagious? Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Alexandraki, I. Acute viral gastroenteritis in adults. Accessed Aug. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Viral gastroenteritis. Matson DO.
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