Viral gastroenteritis is the medical name for a stomach virus. Viral infections of the stomach can be passed along from person to person or can develop due to consuming drinks or foods that have been contaminated. There are several different symptoms that accompany a stomach virus, and these symptoms usually remedy themselves in less than a week. Sometimes, however, viral gastroenteritis can become so severe that medical intervention is needed. According to MayoClinic.com, this could possibly lead to death.
Vomiting and Nausea
The most common symptom of viral gastroenteritis is nausea and vomiting. Nausea is the feeling of needing to vomit. This symptom can be severe, with someone vomiting so much they begin to dry heave. It can also be very mild, with the patient only feeling nauseated for a few days. If the vomiting is severe, it is possible for the person to become dehydrated very quickly. Sometimes if a patient is unable to hold any liquids on the stomach, he will need to be given fluids intravenously to avoid serious complications from dehydration. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if there is any blood present in the vomit, the person should seek medical attention immediately.
Diarrhea
Another common symptom of a stomach virus is diarrhea. A patient will pass watery stool three times or more in a single day. Depending on the severity of the diarrhea, it can also cause a person to become dehydrated. Anytime a person suffers from diarrhea she must try and compensate for the loss of liquid by drinking plenty of fluids. If she is unable to hold any liquids on the stomach without vomiting, it may be necessary to visit a doctor so dehydration doesn't become severe. If blood is in the diarrhea, there may be something more severe than a stomach virus going on. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible if there is any blood in the stool.
Muscle Aches
Muscle aches and body pain can usually occur before any other symptoms. It may feel like the body is sore though there is not an identifiable reason for the soreness. These muscle aches can be accompanied by chills, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, and an overall feeling of being unwell. Loss of appetite can occur as the stomach can be sore and cramping.
Other Symptoms
There are several other symptoms that may develop when a stomach virus is present. The patient could experience a low fever two or three days before the severe stomach symptoms begin. It is possible for a headache to precede the other symptoms along with fever. Some patients can have a strange taste in the mouth.
