Viral gastroenteritis is also called intestinal or gastric flu, as viruses affect the stomach and intestines. Exposed to this disease are all people equally, regardless of age and sex. Most often, infection occurs through food, water and close contact with the sick. Very quickly spreads in places of large concentrations of people: pre-school institutions, nursing homes, offices, etc.
Types of gastroviruses
Viral gastroenteritis causes several viruses and how all infectious diseases can have their seasonal peak.
The most common viruses that cause gastroenteritis:
- Rotavirus - the fastest infect the youngest children and infect the surrounding children and adults. Most of the infection occurs through the mouth.
- Norovirus - the path of infection of these viruses is very diverse, it can be picked up through food, water, various surfaces and from a sick person. Disease affects people of any age.
- Caliciviruses - are transmitted mainly from infected people or carriers. One of the most common viruses in gastroenteritis, etc.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis
Symptoms of the disease appear already the next day or a day after infection. They can last from 1 to 10 days, and have such manifestations as:
- diarrhea or watery stools;
- elevated body temperature accompanied by chills, fever;
- headaches, and also in the joints and muscles, a common "ache" in the body;
- pain and cramping in the stomach ;
- sticky skin, increased sweating;
- loss of appetite and body weight.
The ways of infection can be different, from unwashed hands, to contaminated water and food. People with weakened immunity are most susceptible to this disease.
Treatment of viral gastroenteritis
The basis for the treatment of gastroenteritis is abundant drinking or infusion of fluids through an intravenous catheter to avoid a life-threatening dehydration. On an outpatient basis, doctors recommend drinking special pharmaceutical rehydrating solutions, such as Regidron or Pedialit for children. They fully provide the water-salt balance in
In viral gastroenteritis, antibiotics are useless, they are effective only in cases of bacterial infection. Aspirin is contraindicated in this case, especially to children and adolescents, high temperature will help bring down Paracetamol .
It is necessary to provide peace to the patient, eat in small portions, discard the juices. Basically, without special consequences, the viral gastroenteritis takes place in a few days. But in any case, consult a doctor, so as not to confuse and miss a more serious illness.