Viral gastroenteritis - You've Got What?
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Viral gastroenteritis information sheet
This is a type of gastroenteritis (also known as ‘gastro’) caused by a virus. Many different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis.
Viral gastroenteritis is spread through contamination of hands, objects or food with infected faeces or vomit. The virus is then taken in by the mouth. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms usually last 1 or 2 days and include:
Diagnosis is based on the clinical presentation. A faecal examination can sometimes identify the virus and should be performed to also rule out bacterial infection.
(time between becoming infected and developing symptoms)
24 to 72 hours.
(time during which an infected person can infect others)
During illness and for at least 24 hours after symptoms have disappeared.
No specific antiviral drugs are useful for treating viral gastroenteritis. It is a common illness which may be particularly serious in young children.
The following are general recommendations for the treatment of gastroenteritis:
Seek medical advice if there are any of the following symptoms: