Gastroenteritis virus symptoms

In children, it is critical to watch for signs of dehydration. Children can become dehydrated quickly, so it is important to be observant. Signs for dehydration in infants or children include dry mouth, dry skin, thirst, and drier or fewer diapers. If your child has the stomach flu, it is best to keep them home and out of daycare or school until symptoms are gone, as it is extremely contagious.

Specifically, medications used to reduce vomiting should not be given to children under 5 and should not be given to children before consulting a doctor. Viruses are the most common cause of the stomach flu.

In adults, the norovirus tends to be the cause of stomach flu. In children, the rotavirus is the most common virus responsible for the stomach flu. These specific viruses typically infect the lining of the small intestines. Other ways you can contract the stomach virus are through bacteria, toxins, and parasites. The loose and watery stools, which is the most common symptom of stomach flu is caused by the breaking down of gut cells, which causes malabsorption. The virus can also disrupt the reabsorption of water, thereby producing the watery loose stools.

The infection can also trigger the following symptoms:. Most people recover quickly from the stomach flu, however, there are some people who may experience complications from the stomach flu, which may be life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are more susceptible to complications from the stomach flu, and those who are immunocompromised. Shop online for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte and oral electrolyte products.

Diarrhea can be treated in adults with over-the-counter medications such as loperamide Imodium or bismuth subsalicylate Pepto-Bismol.

These foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause further stomach upset. In addition to rehydrating and resting, there are some natural and home remedies that may help you relieve the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.

If you have abdominal pain, try applying a low-temperature heating pad or a warm heat pack to your stomach. Shop online for heating pads and heat packs. Some parents serve rice water to their children. This is the water that remains after boiling brown rice. Products containing ginger , such as ginger ale or ginger tea , may help soothe an upset stomach. A review of studies found that a divided daily dose of 1, milligrams of ginger taken in two parts throughout the day may help reduce nausea.

Shop online for ginger ale and ginger tea. Mint may also have anti-nausea properties similar to those of ginger. Sipping a soothing mint tea may help you feel better. Studies have found that peppermint oil may help relax the muscles in your gut. It also has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Shop online for mint tea.

Shop online for plain yogurt and kefir. Viral gastroenteritis can spread easily. However, there are some steps you can take to lower your risk of contracting the virus or passing it to others. Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation and irritation of your intestines caused by one of several types of viruses.

Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common symptoms. You can get viral gastroenteritis from other people or through contaminated foods, drinks, or surfaces. Generally, viral gastroenteritis symptoms come on suddenly and pass quickly. If diarrhea lasts longer than 48 hours, be sure to follow up with your doctor. Do you have a stomach bug or food poisoning? Discriminating between the two can be difficult.

The NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. What are the symptoms of dehydration? Seek care right away What kinds of viruses cause viral gastroenteritis? Are viruses the only cause of gastroenteritis? How does viral gastroenteritis spread? What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis? The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include watery diarrhea pain or cramping in your abdomen nausea or vomiting sometimes fever What are the symptoms of dehydration?

What kinds of viruses cause viral gastroenteritis? The most common causes of viral gastroenteritis include norovirus. Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 48 hours after you come into contact with the virus and last 1 to 3 days. Do you think you have the stomach flu or a stomach bug? The most common symptoms of norovirus are:.

Other symptoms include:. Symptoms of dehydration include: decrease in urination dry mouth and throat feeling dizzy when standing up.

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