Reading Time: 5 minutes 18s
Viral gastroenteritis refers to the intestinal infection characterized by signs and symptoms like stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, vomiting or nausea, and, at times, fever.
Also referred to as stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis is commonly contracted when you come into contact with someone who is infected or consumes contaminated food or water. Healthy people have a high possibility of recovering without experiencing any complications. However, the condition can be fatal in older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems.
Because there is no known effective viral gastroenteritis treatment, prevention is essential. Therefore, you should avoid potentially contaminated food or water and clean your hands frequently and thoroughly.
By Able Health I Medically reviewed by Dr. Alireza Estedlal
Page last reviewed: February 2024 I Next review due: February 2026
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the intestine and stomach. These organs become sore and swollen due to inflammation and lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Usually, gastroenteritis occurs following an infection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Viruses and bacteria can cause stomach flu infections and food poisoning. Some chemicals might also lead to gastroenteritis.
The most prevalent type is infectious gastroenteritis, which develops from an infection in the GI tract (stomach and intestines). Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi can contribute to the infection.
Another type is chemical gastroenteritis, which can occur following ingestion of toxic chemicals that could contaminate sources of water and food. It can also result from excessive alcohol consumption or drugs such as certain medications.
Although gastroenteritis is mostly known as stomach flu, it is different from influenza. Influenza or flu only affects the respiratory system, including the throat, lungs, and nose. However, gastroenteritis attacks the intestines and causes the following signs and symptoms:
Based on the underlying cause, the symptoms of viral gastroenteritis can emerge within 1 to 3 days after infection, ranging from mild to severe. Typically, the symptoms last for only one or two days, but in rare cases, they might last for 14 days.
The similarity of the symptoms can make it difficult to distinguish between viral diarrhea and diarrhea triggered by bacteria like Clostridioides difficile, Escherichia coli, and salmonella or parasites, including giardia.
The chances of getting viral gastroenteritis are higher when you drink or consume water and foods that are contaminated. Also, sharing towels, food, or utensils with an infected person increases the risk of the condition.
Some of the viruses that can trigger gastroenteritis are:
Adults who have rotavirus might not exhibit any symptoms. However, they can still pass on the virus, and this is especially concerning in institutional settings like nursing homes, as infected adults can unknowingly spread the infection to others.
Viral gastroenteritis vaccination is available in certain nations, including the US and is effective in the prevention of the infection.
Furthermore, consuming some shellfish, particularly undercooked or row oysters, could cause the illness. On the other hand, drinking contaminated water contributes to viral infection. However, in most cases, the infection is transmitted when an infected person touches food without cleaning hands after visiting the toilet.
You can book an appointment with a private GP today for only £20*.
Book an appointmentGastroenteritis is a global illness affecting everyone regardless of their age. Persons who are likely to be more vulnerable to the condition are:
Every gastrointestinal virus has an active season. For example, people residing in the northern hemisphere have an increased risk of getting norovirus or rotavirus infection during spring and winter.
The major viral gastroenteritis complication is dehydration, which is a serious loss of water and vital minerals and salts in the body. Dehydration, however, should not be a concern in healthy people who replace lost fluids from diarrhea and vomiting by drinking enough water.
Older adults, infants, and individuals with a weak immune system may suffer severe dehydration from losing more fluids. They might thus require to be hospitalized for fluid replacement through an IV. In rare cases, dehydration can cause death.
Anybody can get gastroenteritis, but some groups of people tend to be more vulnerable. They include:
Contact your doctor if you experience any of these:
Seek immediate medical attention if your child has these symptoms:
Keep in mind that although spitting might be common in infants, vomiting isn’t. Normally, babies can vomit for various reasons, most of which need medical care.
Therefore, you should immediately contact your child’s doctor if you notice the following:
Viral gastroenteritis can be diagnosed based on the symptoms, physical examination, and if there are similar infection cases within the community. Norovirus and rotavirus can be detected through a rapid stool test, though quick tests for viruses causing gastroenteritis aren’t available. Sometimes, the practitioner can order stool samples to help rule out a potential parasitic or bacterial infection.
In many cases, gastroenteritis treatment is supportive, which focuses on supporting the natural recovery process of the body instead of curing the illness. The treatment options can include:
Certain acute gastroenteritis causes, however, may require medications to resolve. For instance, a specific antiparasitic or antibiotic drug may be needed to treat a particular form of parasite or bacterial infection.
For chemical gastroenteritis caused by toxic poisoning, more treatment may be required to clear out the toxin from the body. The toxin and the condition will determine the type of treatment.
Apart from medical treatment, various home remedies are available that can ease symptoms and promote recovery from the illness. Clear liquids like water, broth, or herbal teas can assist in preventing dehydration and providing vomiting and nausea relief.
Doctors usually recommend the BRAT (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) diet since it’s gentle on the stomach and contains easily digestible carbohydrates. In addition, probiotics (vital bacteria) can aid in the restoration of gut flora balance and promote healing. On the other hand, ginger, which can be taken as tea or while raw, helps soothe the digestive system and ease nausea.
Some drugs can help manage particular symptoms associated with stomach flu. Antiemetics, which includes metoclopramide or ondansetron, can help alleviate vomiting and nausea. Similarly, antidiarrheal drugs like loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate can manage diarrhea. It is, however, essential to know that these medicines need to be taken cautiously and under medical supervision. This is because they can disrupt the natural defence system of the body and potentially prolong infection.
Consider the following precautions to avoid spreading intestinal infections:
To lower the risk of getting ill from contaminated food and water while traveling to other countries, consider these useful tips: