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:. The virus usually affects people in late winter and early spring. Symptoms usually appear within two to three days after initial exposure, and the virus will usually go away within two to three days. Sometimes other factors can cause symptoms that closely resemble viral gastroenteritis.
These causes include:. The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is dehydration, which can be quite severe in babies and young children. Other complications include:. The dehydration that can accompany viral gastroenteritis can lead to several complications of its own. These include:. To prevent complications, you should seek immediate medical attention if you or your child have symptoms of dehydration.
Your doctor may also order a stool sample to test for the type of virus or to find out if your illness is caused by a parasitic or bacterial infection. The main focus of treatment is to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. In severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous fluids are necessary. Over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions OHS , such as Pedialyte, can be helpful in mild cases.
However, you should follow instructions carefully. Shop for oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte. Shop for oral electrolyte products.
Antibiotics have no effect on viruses. Check with your physician before taking any over-the-counter medications. These foods include:. There is no cure, however almost all people who get viral gastroenteritis recover completely without any long-term problems. The most important thing to do for people with viral gastroenteritis is prevent severe loss of fluids dehydration. This treatment should begin at home.
Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluids to give. Medications, including antibiotics which have no effect on viruses and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician. What is viral gastroenteritis? Older children and adults can drink sports beverages such as Gatorade, but these should not be used for younger children.
Instead, use the electrolyte and fluid replacement solutions or freezer pops available in food and drug stores. These liquids do not replace lost minerals and can make diarrhea worse. Drink small amounts of fluid 2 to 4 oz. Do not try to force down large amounts of fluid at one time, which can cause vomiting.
Use a teaspoon 5 milliliters or syringe for an infant or small child. Babies can continue to drink breast milk or formula along with extra fluids. You do NOT need to switch to a soy formula. Try eating small amounts of food frequently.
Foods to try include: Cereals, bread, potatoes, lean meats Plain yogurt, bananas, fresh apples Vegetables If you have diarrhea and are unable to drink or keep down fluids because of nausea or vomiting, you may need fluids through a vein IV.
Antibiotics do not work for viruses. You can buy medicines at the drugstore that can help stop or slow diarrhea. Do not use these medicines without talking to your provider if you have bloody diarrhea, a fever, or if the diarrhea is severe. Do not give these medicines to children. Outlook Prognosis. For most people, the illness goes away in a few days without treatment.
Possible Complications. When to Contact a Medical Professional. You should also contact your provider if you or your child has these symptoms: Blood in the stool Confusion Dizziness Dry mouth Feeling faint Nausea No tears when crying No urine for 8 hours or more Sunken appearance to the eyes Sunken soft spot on an infant's head fontanelle Contact your provider right away if you or your child also have respiratory symptoms, fever or possible exposure to COVID The stomach, small intestine and large intestine colon are part of your digestive tract, which processes the foods you eat.
Viral gastroenteritis is an inflammation of these organs caused by a virus. Although it's commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn't the same as influenza. Real flu influenza affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, such as:. Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within one to three days after you're infected and can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may persist as long as 10 days. Because the symptoms are similar, it's easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, salmonella and E.
If you have an infant, remember that while spitting up may be an everyday occurrence for your baby, vomiting is not. Babies vomit for a variety of reasons, many of which may require medical attention. You're most likely to contract viral gastroenteritis when you eat or drink contaminated food or water, or if you share utensils, towels or food with someone who's infected.
Some shellfish, especially raw or undercooked oysters, also can make you sick.
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