Stomach virus, also known as viral gastroenteritis or the stomach flu, is an intestinal infection caused by several types of virus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stomach viruses damages the intestinal lining. As a result, diarrhea occurs when fluids leak into the intestine. The main symptoms of stomach virus is vomiting, watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Several viruses can cause this condition.
Rotavirus
According to the CDC, the rotavirus is common among infants and children. It is also one of the leading causes of childhood death. Although, the virus can also infect adult, the symptoms are usually milder. The rotavirus is typically contracted when children stick contaminated objects or fingers into their mouth. Rotavirus causes vomiting, headache, aches, fever and abdominal pain. It usually last between three to nine days. Currently, there is a rotavirus vaccination available in the United States and other countries.
Adenovirus
Adenovirus can be spread fecal secretions, handling infected objects and by person to person. Adenovirus occurs mainly in younger children younger than 2 and is considered highly contagious, according to MayoClinic.com. Adenovirus infections occur year round. Symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting typically appear five to seven days after exposure. Parents who suspect their child may have contracted adenovirus should contact a pediatrician to receive medical treatment.
Astrovirus
MayoClinic.com reports that the astrovirus primarily infects people with weak immune systems such as the elderly, young children and infants. Symptoms of astrovirus infection includes diarrhea, vomiting and body aches. It is transmitted by handling contaminated items, through person to person and by fecal contamination. This type of virus is prevalent during the winter months. Typically, symptoms occur one to three days after exposure.
Caliciviruses
Caliciviruses, a type of norovirus, can infect people of all ages. It is frequently the cause of acute gastroenteritis in humans. These viruses are usually responsible for stomach flu epidemics and occur frequently from October to April. Infected people experience muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, headache and vomiting. According to the CDC, symptoms generally appear within three days of infection.
