Stomach Bug

Stomach bug or stomach flu is a viral stomach infection, medically known as viral gastroenteritis. It is a condition which usually causes inflammation and irritation in the small intestine. Its can affect anyone throughout the world.

This infection is highly contagious, but not in a way one gets influenza, that is, being exposed to the coughing or sneezing of an infected person. Rather, it spreads through close contact with infected people or surface, or through food or water that's contaminated with infected stool or vomit.

It can easily spread in crowded places such as childcare centers, schools, nursing homes, shopping malls, cruise ships, etc.

Some of the most common stomach bug viruses are rotavirus and norovirus. Another virus called the adenovirus can also cause respiratory illness, conjunctivitis, cystitis, and rash illness, apart from gastroenteritis. Other viruses are type 40 or 41, sapoviruses and astroviruses.

Though viral gastroenteritis is not caused by bacteria or parasites, the symptoms are very similar these conditions. The primary symptom are watery diarrhea and vomiting.

Usually, there is no blood in the diarrhea, but the presence of some may indicate a more severe attack by the virus. Vomiting is usually accompanied by nausea, and one may also experience other symptoms such as abdominal cramps (tummy ache), head or muscle ache, and low-grade fever.

In most cases, these symptoms are experienced within 1 to 2 days following the infection with the virus. They may last for up to 10 days; however, the duration of the illness depends on the virus which has caused it on the severity of the illness. In most cases, the other symptoms subside within 48 hours.

This condition is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on the symptoms and medical examination of the patient. Certain viruses show up in laboratory testing of stool specimen, such as 'rotavirus'.

A primary concern for most patients is dehydration, and thus the best course of treatment in children and adults is to prevent severe loss of fluids. The patient must constantly consume liquids, especially oral rehydration solution (ORS). As antibiotics do not have any effect on viruses, they are not usually prescribed.

One is advised to stop eating and drinking (except water) for a few hours, and to get plenty of rest. Gradually resume eating, with foods that are easy to digest, such as soda crackers, toast, bananas, and rice.

Sucking on ice chips may help you deal with nausea. If one is affected by viral gastroenteritis during pregnancy, they need to take special care not to get dehydrated.

Stomach bug in children is common, but a condition that most parents dread, as it can mean days of nonstop vomiting and diarrhea. While usually the only course of treatment is to stay hydrated and rest, if your child has a fever of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher, is experiencing a lot of discomfort or pain, is lethargic or very irritable, has bloody diarrhea or seems dehydrated, you should consult a pediatrician immediately.

One can take certain precautions to minimize their chances of getting affected by a stomach bug. This includes regular washing of the hands, using separate personal items in ones home, minimizing or avoiding close contact with anyone who has the infection, and being careful about the food and water you consume outside home.

Also, there are currently two licensed rotavirus vaccines available that protect against severe diarrhea from rotavirus infection in infants and young children.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.