Stomach viruses are a common cause of illness. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that millions of cases of viral gastroenteritis occur each year in the United States. Many types of viruses cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including rotavirus, norovirus, sapovirus, adenovirus and astrovirus. The most significant health threat associated with stomach viruses is the development of dehydration, which is most probable when both diarrhea and vomiting are present.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. Vomiting is a particularly frequent and prominent feature of norovirus gastroenteritis in adults, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infectious virus is present in vomited stomach contents. Hand washing and careful cleaning of vomited material can help prevent spread of viral gastroenteritis.
Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Information on viral gastroenteritis provided by the Mayo Clinic notes that abdominal pain and intestinal cramping are frequent symptoms of the illness. Children often complain of a stomachache. Infants may be exceptionally fussy due to abdominal pain and cramping.
Diarrhea
Viral-induced inflammation of the intestines associated with gastroenteritis typically causes watery diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that rotavirus-associated diarrhea in infants and young children can be particularly severe. Substantial fluid losses may cause dehydration. Infants and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. Dry mouth and lips and decreased tear production are possible symptoms of dehydration. With severe dehydration, impaired consciousness may occur with decreased activity level and excessive drowsiness. Rotavirus gastroenteritis among adults is generally unremarkable. Rotavirus is a seasonal illness, with most cases occurring from November through April.
Fever and Chills
Although not uniformly present, fever may occur with viral gastroenteritis, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In general, children are more prone to fevers than are adults. The fever associated with viral gastroenteritis is typically low-grade. However, dehydration may increase the level of fever. Chills may accompany fever in some people with viral gastroenteritis.
Headache and Body Aches
The Mayo Clinic notes that headache and body aches may accompany some types of viral gastroenteritis, although these symptoms are not necessarily present with the illness. Headache may be a symptom of evolving dehydration.
Acute Malaise
Viral gastroenteritis typically causes acute malaise--the sudden onset of feeling profoundly ill. Fortunately, this symptom tends to pass quickly. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that viral gastroenteritis symptoms usually resolve in one to two days. However, the illness may last for up to 10 days, depending on the causative virus and the preexisting health of the individual.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Viral Gastroenteritis, Symptoms
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Viral Gastroenteritis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Viral Gastroenteritis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Norovirus, Questions and Answers
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Adenoviruses
