What is viral gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis means the inflammation is caused by infection from a virus. It often causes vomiting (throwing up), diarrhea or both.
Viral gastroenteritis is often called "stomach flu," but it is not caused by the influenza virus. Viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis include rotaviruses, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, and a group of Norwalk-like viruses.
Viral gastroenteritis is NOT caused by any of the following, although the symptoms may be similar:
- bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli
- parasites such as Giardia
- medications
- other medical conditions
What are the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?
Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis.
In addition to diarrhea and vomiting, a child with viral gastroenteritis may have the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Stomach cramps or a sore stomach
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Decreased activity level
- Increased sleepiness
- Decreased appetite
In general, the symptoms begin one to two days after catching the virus. They can last for one to 10 days.
Viral gastroenteritis can be spread
Viral gastroenteritis can spread through the following methods:
- sharing food, water or eating utensils such as forks and knives with someone who has the virus
- not washing hands after touching items that may have the virus on their surface
- not washing hands after diaper changes or toileting
It is important to clean and disinfect surfaces and items that your child touches, including toys, and wash laundry thoroughly to remove the virus from your home. Washing with soap and water is the most effective way of cleaning surfaces and objects.
Anyone can catch viral gastroenteritis
People of all ages and backgrounds can get viral gastroenteritis. Toddlers, especially those in daycare, may get viral gastroenteritis more frequently since they are exposed to all viruses, share toys and often wash their hands less often.
Treating viral gastroenteritis
The best treatment for viral gastroenteritis in children and adults is to prevent dehydration. Dehydration happens when more fluid leaves the body than enters it.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry, cracked lips and a dry or sticky mouth
- Thirst
- Low or no urine output; concentrated urine appears dark yellow
- Not producing tears
- Being fussy or cranky
- Seeming bored or uninterested
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Cramps
- Chills
- Fatigue
In severe cases, dehydration can cause:
- Sunken eyes
- Sunken fontanelle (soft spot) on the top of a baby's head
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritability
- Lethargy (little to no energy)
If your child becomes severely dehydrated, they may need to be treated at the hospital. In the hospital, fluids can be replaced through an intravenous line (IV) if necessary.
Viral gastroenteritis is rarely a serious illness
For most people, viral gastroenteritis is not a serious illness. People who get viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely without any long-term problems. How fast a child recovers from viral gastroenteritis partly depends on which virus is causing the illness.
Viral gastroenteritis can be a serious illness in people who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhea. Babies, young children, and people who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from losing too much of the body's water.
People with immune system problems are at risk for dehydration because they may get more severe symptoms, including more vomiting and diarrhea. People with severe symptoms may need to stay in the hospital to treat or prevent dehydration.
You can prevent viral gastroenteritis with good hand washing
To avoid catching or spreading viral gastroenteritis, you should do the following things:
- Wash hands well and often with soap and water. This is especially important at hospitals and other medical facilities.
- Do not visit anyone in hospital when you are ill with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. Ask other family members and friends to do the same.
If your child is in hospital, help stop viral gastroenteritis from spreading
- Your child may be placed in a single room and will not be able to visit the playroom until they are feeling better.
- Wash your hands often before and after touching your child and before leaving your child's room. Expect hand washing by hospital staff as well.
- If you or anyone else who has visited becomes ill with symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, let your child's doctor or nurse know.
- If your child has symptoms of viral gastroenteritis and they are in the hospital, all staff caring for your child should wear gloves and a gown.