Viral gastroenteritis: a common threat that calls for prevention and early care
3 minutes read
- Infectious disease specialist Lysette Cardona, of Cleveland Clinic, explains that viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious and that dehydration is its main risk, above all in small children.
Cleveland. Viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as “stomach flu”, is an intestinal infection that appears most often during the cold months of the year. Although in most cases it is a mild, self-limiting condition, how contagious it is and the risk of dehydration make it a health problem that requires attention, especially in small children and vulnerable people.
According to Dr Lysette Cardona, an infectious disease specialist at Cleveland Clinic, viral gastroenteritis is mainly caused by viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus.
The most common symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and general malaise. In most cases the illness lasts between one and ten days. However, factors such as the type of virus, the state of the patient’s immune system and their level of hydration can influence how long it lasts and how severe it is.
Dr Cardona points out that small children are particularly susceptible to dehydration.
During winter, the risk of infection rises considerably. Low temperatures and the greater amount of time people spend in enclosed spaces make it easier for these viruses to spread. In addition, norovirus is especially resistant and can survive for hours on contaminated surfaces.
To prevent infection, it is essential to maintain good hygiene: wash your hands frequently, disinfect surfaces, avoid sharing utensils and isolate the sick person while symptoms persist.
As for food during recovery, it is recommended to avoid fatty and spicy foods, dairy products, and alcoholic or caffeinated drinks. The ideal is to offer bland, easily digestible meals and, above all, to prioritise oral rehydration, using water, clear broths or oral rehydration solutions.
Viral gastroenteritis usually resolves without complications, but it is necessary to see a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days, if there is severe vomiting, blood in the stools, signs of dehydration (such as a dry mouth, dizziness, passing little urine) or if the patient belongs to an at-risk group, such as children, older adults or immunocompromised people.
Vaccination also plays a key role in prevention.
In short, common though it is, viral gastroenteritis should not be underestimated. With clear information, preventive measures and timely care, it is possible to manage this illness safely and avoid unnecessary complications.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit multispecialty academic medical centre that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognised in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 77,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,658 salaried physicians and researchers and 19,000 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,699-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, more than 275 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; and London, England. In 2022, there were 12.8 million outpatient encounters, 303,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 270,000 surgeries and procedures across the Cleveland Clinic health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries.