Stomach flu is extremely contagious and can spread through person-to-person contact. A person can also catch it after coming into contact with contaminated water or food.
Symptoms can pass within 3 days. Several viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis. According to one article , the most common virus in the United States to cause viral gastroenteritis is currently the norovirus. This accounts for 19—21 million cases per year. This article will explain how long stomach flu is contagious for and how long the symptoms can last. It will also explore the symptoms of stomach flu and when to contact a doctor and provide information on treatment and prevention methods.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , a person with the norovirus is most contagious when they have symptoms of the illness, such as vomiting, and during the first few days after they have recovered. However, they also state that a person can be contagious for up to 2 weeks following the infection. Consuming contaminated food or water, coming into contact with bodily fluids from a person with the norovirus, and swimming in contaminated water are all ways to catch the virus.
A person with the norovirus typically does not require treatment unless they become dehydrated. Many symptoms of stomach flu only affect the digestive tract, but people can also experience symptoms in other areas of the body. In many cases, dehydration can occur with stomach flu due to the amount of liquid lost during vomiting or diarrhea.
The NIDDK warn that a person should seek treatment immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms of dehydration:. Learn how to treat dehydration here. The norovirus can survive on surfaces such as changing tables for months. A person can also catch the virus if they come into contact with bodily fluids, such as vomit or stools, from the child.
Common symptoms of stomach flu in children may include:. Parents or caregivers of children should look for the following symptoms or complaints from their children, as they can indicate dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration in infants or children include :. Although children can vomit more than adults, vomiting can often stop in children after 24 hours.
If the vomiting does not stop but does not increase significantly, the parent or caregiver should try to give the child clear liquids. They should not rush trying to give the child heavier foods. The most common route of infection is the fecal-oral route. This is to rule out other health problems.
A flu shot will not prevent a stomach virus. The flu shot only prevent the influenza virus. The norovirus can change over time. Therefore, vaccines are still being studied. A rotavirus vaccine is available.
Two different vaccines exist. They require 2 to 3 doses. Children should receive the full vaccine prior to 8 months of age. If you have stomach virus, be responsible. Do not expose others to it. This includes babies, older people, and people with a low immune system.
Do not go to school, work, or public places. There is no medicine that can treat a stomach virus. It has to run its course. You can do things to ease symptoms:. Vomiting, diarrhea, and not eating or drinking causes dehydration. If you are dehydrated, you may need to go to the hospital for IV fluids. A saline solution will be injected into your veins to replace your fluids.
Signs you are dehydrated include:. Stay home and get plenty of rest. Adults can take over-the-counter medicine, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help reduce fever and pain. Contact your doctor if your symptoms persist or get worse. Severe symptoms include seizures. Stomach viruses are often mild and go away on their own in 1 to 3 days. Babies, older adults, or people who have low immune systems should see the doctor right away. This can help prevent their infection from getting worse. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Norovirus.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Rotavirus. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. It can be caused by a number of different viruses, such as rotavirus and norovirus previously known as Norwalk-like virus.
There are many other causes of gastroenteritis including bacteria, toxins, parasites, and some non-infectious diseases. The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
Other symptoms may include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and muscle aches. Dehydration can follow. Symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer. Viral gastroenteritis is highly infectious and is spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person through:. In most cases, spread occurs from a person who has symptoms.
Some people can pass on the infection without symptoms, particularly in the first 48 hours after recovery. After using the toilet, changing nappies, and before eating or preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 10 seconds and dry them with a clean towel. A diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is usually based on the person's symptoms. Laboratory confirmation is important during outbreaks, and involves testing samples of stool faeces.
There is no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis except rest and drinking plenty of fluids. Most people will recover without complications. However, viral gastroenteritis can be serious infants, people with suppressed immune systems and the elderly. People caring for those with gastroenteritis should wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after any contact with the sick person.
0コメント