Viral Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis, then, is an infection caused by a virus that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the influenza viruses.

Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, type 40 or 41, sapoviruses, and astroviruses. Viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria (such as Salmonella or Escherichia coli) or parasites (such as Giardia), or by medications or other medical conditions, although the symptoms may be similar. Your doctor can determine if the diarrhea is caused by a virus or by something else.

Viral gastroenteritis is contagious. The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example, by sharing food, water, or eating utensils).

Symptoms generally begin 1 to 2 days following infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis, and may last for 1 to 10 days. They can include:

• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Headache
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps ("stomach ache")

The best way to treat viral gastroenteritis is to rest and prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration). Drink plenty of clear fluids like water, Gatorade and soup broth. There is no medication currently available that will treat viral gastroenteritis.

Persons can reduce their chance of getting infected by:

• Frequent hand washing
• Not sharing food, water, or eating utensils
• Prompt disinfection of contaminated surfaces with household chlorine bleach-based cleaners
• Prompt washing of soiled articles of clothing