Several viruses affect the stomach, including rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus, sapovirus and astrovirus. These viruses attack the stomach and small intestine, causing gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach. Healthy individuals usually recover quickly, but the infection can be dangerous to infants, children and the elderly because of to the severe dehydration that occurs. Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious. It can be spread through close contact or eating contaminated food and drinks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, occur within one to three days after infection and usually subside within two days. They include abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, watery diarrhea with no blood, low fever and aches. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should see a doctor if vomiting occurs for more than two days and if fluids cannot be kept down after 24 hours. Dehydration also requires medical assistance; symptoms include excessive thirst, dry mouth, severe weakness, dizziness, light-headedness and deep-yellow or no urine. High fevers above 104 degrees F and blood in the vomit or diarrhea also requires medical attention.
Symptoms for children include fevers above 102 degrees F, lethargy or irritability, bloody diarrhea, pain or dehydration and will require immediate medical assistance.
Symptoms for babies include dry mouth or crying without tears, drowsy or unresponsiveness, vomit lasting more than six hours, no wet diapers for more than six hours, bloody stools or severe diarrhea, and a sunken soft spot at the top of the head.
Complications
The most severe complication is dehydration, which is a loss of water, salts and minerals. All three are essential to the body for survival and must be replaced as soon as possible. Healthy adults are able to avoid this condition by drinking plenty of fluids. Children, older adults and immune-compromised individuals usually require intravenous fluids at a hospital.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually done according to symptoms and patient history. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus and norovirus. As of 2010, no tests exist for the other virus types. Stool samples may be taken to rule out bacteria infection.
Treatment
For adults, it is best to stop eating and drinking for a few hours to let the stomach settle. Clear fluids, such as sodas, ice chips and decaffeinated drinks, help with dehydration, while crackers, bananas, rice and chicken help the stomach adjust to solid food. Those affected should avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, fatty foods, excess medication, and nicotine and should rest as much as possible.
Treatment for children is the same for adults, with the only difference being that oral electrolytes should be given instead of water, as these absorb better in the body.
Prevention
Personal hygiene is most important, and hands should be washed with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Sanitary wipes may be used if water is not available. Avoid close contact with infected individuals and avoid sharing items, such as utensils, towels, glasses and plates, to minimize spread of the virus.
When abroad, avoid raw or undercooked food and ice cubes, which may be made from contaminated water. Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. A vaccine is also available for prevention of rotavirus and is available from most medical providers.
