Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors, Prevention and Treatment

Viral gastroenteritis is inflammation of part of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines) as a result of a viral infection. It is also known as stomach flu, and this inflammation is one of the common infections that results in severe and severe pain, and it results from a viral infection of the type Rotavirus and Norovirus, viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms often last for a period ranging from 2- 5 days, and the virus is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person by touching contaminated tools, eating contaminated food, or not washing hands before eating and after using the toilet.

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms appear one or two days after infection and symptoms can last up to ten days. Some of these symptoms are as follows:

  • Anorexia.
  • Feeling cramps and abdominal pain.
  • Feeling joint pain.
  • Fever or chills.
  • Sweating.
  • Headache.
  • Feeling muscle pain.
  • Diarrhea: Diarrhea is the most common symptom of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), and the virus may prevent fluid reabsorption, causing loose stools.
  • Malabsorption occurs due to the destruction of intestinal cells called enterocytes.
  • Stomach pain: Stomach cramps and pain may accompany diarrhea.
  • Nausea and vomiting: Vomiting is a common sign of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms.
  • High temperature: A high temperature occurs due to catching the infection that causes the disease.

A symptom that must be reviewed by a doctor about their appearance, and emergency medical treatment is resorted to when many symptoms appear, including the following:

  • Diarrhea for three days or more.
  • The appearance of blood in the stool.
  • The appearance of symptoms of dehydration, such as dry lips.
  • Suffering from vertigo.
  • Crying of children without the appearance of tears.
  • Children’s eyes appear sunken.

Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) symptoms indicate dehydration Diarrhea and vomiting, and the most prominent signs of dehydration are:

  • Feeling very thirsty.
  • They are passing less urine than usual.
  • The dark color of urine.
  • Sunken eyes or cheeks.
  • Headache and dizziness when standing.
  • General tiredness and fatigue.