Viral Intestinal Infection

Viral intestinal infection is caused by pathogens called virus. These microscopic organisms enter the body through contaminated food, water or when someone comes in contact with infected human excreta. This infection is also known as viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu in layman's parlance. The infection is most common in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. If you are asking 'is stomach flu contagious', the answer is yes. This condition can be highly contagious, which spreads quickly if a healthy person ingests contaminated food and water or comes in contact with the infected person's things. A person from any age group can contract this infection, but it is more severe in young children and individuals with a weak immune system. The duration of stomach flu depends upon the type of virus and the severity of the infection. Let us take a look at the stomach flu symptoms and its remedies along with the causative factors.

Causes of Stomach Flu

As mentioned earlier, the cause of this intestinal infection is a virus which is spread easily through contaminated things. These viruses damage the inner lining of the small intestine which results in the leakage of fluids in the intestine. There are four types of virus that cause stomach flu:

Adenovirus
This intestinal viral infection is most common in children who are below 2 years of age. A strain of the virus affects the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract and induce symptoms like loose stools and vomiting. Children who are prone to this virus may suffer from infections all the year round. Symptoms usually occur 1 week after infection.

Astrovirus
The infection caused by this virus is mostly seen in babies, young children and the elderly. The symptoms which are similar to the intestinal infection may appear within 3 days of the virus attack. The activity of the virus is increased during the winter.

Caliciviruses
These viruses, which are divided into 4 types, infect people of all age groups. The noroviruses are the most common type which are responsible for infections. Gastroenteritis epidemics are most common in the months October to April and show symptoms like muscle pain and fatigue along with other common symptoms.

Rotavirus
This virus mainly causes infections in children aged between 3 and 15 months. Children who are below 5 years of age also suffer from diarrhea due to this viral infection. Adults who are in close contact with the affected children also suffer but the symptoms are milder. Other symptoms are fever and abdominal pain. These viruses are most active during the months November to April.

Symptoms of Intestinal Virus

The symptoms of viral intestinal infection can be seen in the affected individual within 5 hours of infection, which can last for up to 2 days. In case of severe infection, the indications can be seen even after 10 days of exposure to the virus. Given below are some common symptoms of this viral infection. These symptoms usually depend on the cause of

• Diarrhea, sometimes frothy in appearance
• Nausea, accompanied by vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration, due to loss of fluids from the body
• Low-grade fever
• Muscle cramps and headaches

Treatment and Remedies for Viral Intestinal Infection

To diagnose the presence of these harmful viruses, the patient may have to undergo some tests like stool sample and a physical exam. Once the exact cause of this intestinal disorder is diagnosed, then the doctor may prescribe antibiotics as a method of treatment. Intake of fluids will be increased to prevent dehydration and certain foods like highly fatty foods, dairy products and caffeine should be avoided for a quick recovery. Other remedies for stomach flu include drinking only boiled water, eating well cooked foods, avoiding raw foods and by getting ample rest.

To avoid contracting intestinal infection of any kind, practice proper hygiene. Avoid contaminated food and water and go for a regular checkup to the doctor.