Viral Gastroenteritis – Prevention And Treatment
Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a common disease. The symptoms of the disease usually subsides within three days. However, complications might develop in people with weak immunity.
Viral gastroenteritis causes
Viral gastroenteritis is a viral infection that occurs from intake of contaminated food and water. Rotavirus infection is responsible for majority of viral gastroenteritis cases. Although healthy adults could overcome the rotavirus infection without developing any complications, infants and older adults are extremely vulnerable to the disease. Often healthy adults infected with rotavirus might not display any symptom of the infection. Nonetheless, they can spread the infection. The virus is present in the feces of the infected person. Food or water contaminated with feces is the potential source of infection. Besides rotavirus, various strains of norovirus can cause viral gastroenteritis.
Viral gastroenteritis symptoms
The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include low-grade fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal cramp, nausea, vomiting, muscle ache and headache.
Viral gastroenteritis prevention
Viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu could be easily prevented. Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for keeping the disease at bay. You should wash your hand properly with soap and water before eating. Ask your children not to put dirty fingers in the mouth. Eat foods that are hygienically prepared. Foods should be properly cooked. Undercooked meat and fish are often the source of the disease-causing virus. A vaccine is available that can prevent complications caused by rotavirus infection.
Viral gastroenteritis diet
Giving your stomach a rest for at least six hours could help to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Drink small amounts of water frequently. You can take ice chips. On the first day of the disease, your diet should comprise primarily of fluid. You can drink clear broth, ginger ale and tea without milk. From the second day, you can introduce easily digestible fruits and vegetables in your diet. You can have ripe banana and mashed apple. Boiled rice, white bread, plain pasta and crackers could be added to your diet. From the third day, you can gradually progress to regular diets. Until you have completely recovered from the disease, avoid raw fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, spicy and fried foods.
