Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.

Causes

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a variety of viruses including:

• Norovirus
• Rotavirus
• Astrovirus
• Adenovirus

Symptoms

Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Headache

Prevention

Prevention methods for viral gastroenteritis include:

• Hand-washing
• Vaccination
• Disinfection
• Quarantine

Treatment

Treatment for viral gastroenteritis includes:

• Rehydration
• Rest
• Pain relief

See also

• Infectious disease
• Gastroenteritis
• Foodborne illness

Viral gastroenteritis Resources
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