Also known as the stomach flu, gastroenteritis results from a viral infection. Most people with gastroenteritis recover quickly with home care, but others may require medical treatment to avoid more serious complications.
Food and water can sometimes be contaminated by the virus that causes stomach flu. In other cases, close contact with an infected person or use of contaminated items (such as glasses and utensils) can lead to symptoms. Some individuals have a higher risk of experiencing the condition, including children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include:
Most people who experience gastroenteritis have symptoms for about three days or less. However, stomach flu can cause health effects for as long as two weeks, which may result in the need for medical care.
Repeated bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, which may impact one’s health significantly. To avoid health effects caused by dehydration, people are encouraged to seek medical care when symptoms are severe or long-lasting.
Babies and children can also acquire stomach flu and will require medical attention when symptoms become serious. In this case, signs of dehydration (such as crying without any tears), bloody diarrhoea, and a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or greater all require immediate assistance.
While there’s no recommended treatment for gastroenteritis, most people can control symptoms by doing the following:
Don’t hesitate to seek out medical care if symptoms seem severe or last a long time. Additionally, closely monitor babies and children to determine whether medical care is necessary.