What are Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis?

Viral Gastroenteritis: Key Symptoms & Prevention Tips

Viral gastroenteritis, often referred to as the "stomach flu," is an intestinal infection that can cause symptoms like loose, watery stools, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.

It typically spreads through direct contact with an infected individual or by consuming food or water that has been contaminated. Most healthy adults get over it without serious complications, but the illness is serious—and sometimes deadly—to newborn infants, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems.

As there is no specific cure for viral gastroenteritis, the best way to protect yourself is to avoid getting it in the first place. Curious to know more about it? Read on!

What is Viral Gastroenteritis?

Viral gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by various viruses. Although it is called "stomach flu," it has nothing to do with the influenza virus that infects the respiratory system.

The majority of the cases are mild and resolve with no medical intervention after a few days. However, maintaining proper hydration during recovery is essential, especially for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with compromised immunity.

What Symptoms Typically Indicate Viral Gastroenteritis?

Although it is popularly referred to as the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis is not the flu. The flu attacks the respiratory system—nose, throat, and lungs—while gastroenteritis infects the digestive system, particularly the stomach and intestines.

Some of the usual symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are:

• Watery diarrhea, which is usually not bloody (bloody diarrhea is rare in viral gastroenteritis and may indicate a bacterial or parasitic infection, requiring medical evaluation)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal cramps and discomfort
• Headache or muscle pain, which can happen in some individuals
• Slight fever

Symptoms generally develop within 1 to 3 days following exposure to the virus. While the illness is usually short-lived—lasting just a couple of days—it can occasionally persist for up to two weeks, depending on the viral strain and the individual’s immune response. 

Since the symptoms are so similar, viral gastroenteritis is often confused with other etiologies of diarrhea, e.g., bacterial pathogens like Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), or Clostridioides difficile, or even parasitic infections like Giardia.

What Causes Viral Gastroenteritis?

Viral gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is brought about by numerous viruses that infect the stomach and intestines. The most common viruses responsible include:

• Norovirus: Known for causing outbreaks in places like cruise ships, restaurants, and other group settings, norovirus is highly contagious. It spreads quickly through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
• Rotavirus: Rotavirus is the most common cause of sickness in babies and little kids. It spreads via contaminated hands, surfaces, and food. Vaccines do exist and they are very effective at preventing severe disease due to rotavirus.
• Adenovirus: People of all ages can get adenovirus, and it almost always spreads through respiratory droplets, close contact or touching objects that are contaminated.
• Astrovirus: Most often seen in young children, astrovirus spreads through contaminated food or water and typically causes milder symptoms compared to other viruses.

These viruses often spread through the fecal-oral route. Infection typically happens when someone eats or drinks contaminated food or water, or touches virus-laden surfaces or hands and then touches their mouth. Avoiding viral gastroenteritis transmission is thus achieved through good hygiene and safe food handling practices.

How Can Viral Gastroenteritis Be Prevented?

To minimize the risk of intestinal infections, do the following essential steps:

• Get your Child Vaccinated: In some countries, you can find a vaccine that protects against gastroenteritis caused by the rotavirus. You need to administer the vaccine within the first year of your child’s life.   
• Clean Hands Well: Make sure that you and your kids clean your hands properly, particularly after using the bathroom.
• Practice Hand Hygiene Near Food and Diapers: Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds after diaper changes and before handling or consuming food.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Utilize individual utensils, glasses, plates, and towels within your domestic space.
• Prepare Food Safely: Clean fruits, vegetables, and kitchen surfaces frequently. Avoid preparing food when sick.
• Keep Away from Contaminated Individuals: Refrain from close contact with any individual displaying symptoms of the virus.
• Disinfect the Surfaces: If an infected member is present at home, disinfect faucets, countertops, and doorknobs with a dilute bleach solution.
• Handle Laundry Carefully: Wear gloves while washing dirty clothes. Wash them in hot water and dry on a high setting.
• Inspect Daycare Centers: Make sure diaper-changing and food preparation areas are segregated, with proper sinks and sanitary disposal facilities.

Viral gastroenteritis can be challenging, but with the proper care and preventive measures, most people recover quickly. Staying well-hydrated, maintaining good hygiene, and seeing the physician when necessary are paramount to good care and prevention.