Gastroenteritis is a type of food poisoning caused by viruses. Several different viruses, including rotaviruses, caliciviruses and adenoviruses, can cause the intestinal infection associated with gastroenteritis. Although gastroenteritis is often referred to as the stomach flu, it is important to note that the infection is not caused by the influenza virus.
Types of Viruses
Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children 3 to 15 months old. Rotavirus can also affect adults, although the symptoms in adults are usually milder than in children, according to MayoClinic.com. Rotavirus infections usually occur from November to April. Adenovirus gastroenteritis most commonly affects children under the age of 2 years old. Adenovirus infections can occur at any time throughout the year. Caliciviruses, which are divided into 4 types, can infect people of all ages. The most common infections are from noroviruses, which occur most commonly between the months of October and April.
Transmission
Gastroenteritis is transmitted through contaminated food and water or from person to person. The infection is highly contagious and is commonly spread through unwashed hands or sharing food, drink or utensils with an infected individual. It is important to note that someone who no longer has symptoms can still be contagious for up to 2 weeks.
Symptoms
The intestinal infection caused by gastroenteritis is characterized by abdominal cramps, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, headache, low-grade fever and watery diarrhea. MayoClinic.com notes that the diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis does not usually contain blood. The presence of blood can indicate a more serious infection.
Symptoms usually appear within 4 to 48 hours of consuming contaminated food and last 1 to 2 days, but can persist for up to 10. Some people may experience severe symptoms, whereas others only experience mild discomfort.
Treatment
Most cases of gastroenteritis resolve on their own without any medical intervention. Viruses are resistant to antibiotics, so medications are usually of no use. While symptoms persist, it is important to take steps to prevent dehydration. You should significantly increase your water intake and consume fluids that contain electrolytes. Getting a sufficient amount of rest can also help improve your symptoms. MayoClinic.com also recommends avoiding dairy or sugary foods, as these types of foods can exacerbate diarrhea.
Considerations
It is important to note that gastroenteritis is the name for an intestinal infection caused only by viruses. Food poisoning can also occur from consuming foods infected with bacteria or parasites, however.
