How do doctors treat viral gastroenteritis?

How is viral gastroenteritis treated? Specific treatment is usually not needed. In most cases, you simply need to drink plenty of fluids and rest at home until the virus leaves your system. In rare cases, you may need treatment for severe dehydration with IV (intravenous) fluids.

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What do doctors prescribe for viral gastroenteritis?

There's often no specific medical treatment for viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics aren't effective against viruses. Treatment first involves self-care measures, such as staying hydrated.

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Should I go to the doctor for viral gastroenteritis?

If you're an adult, call your health care provider if: You're not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours. You've been vomiting or having diarrhea for more than two days. You're vomiting blood.

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What is the fastest way to cure viral gastroenteritis?

What to do if you have gastroenteritis
  1. drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; you need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup.
  2. take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains.
  3. get plenty of rest.

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How do doctors treat gastroenteritis?

Treatment for gastroenteritis

Oral rehydration drinks, available from your pharmacist. Admission to hospital and intravenous fluid replacement, in severe cases. Antibiotics, if bacteria are the cause. Drugs to kill the parasites, if parasites are the cause.

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Mayo Clinic Minute: What to do when sick with a norovirus (or stomach flu)

26 related questions found

How long does viral gastroenteritis last?

Viral gastroenteritis is common in children and adults. In most cases, the disease is not serious and will run its course in a few days.

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How can you tell if gastroenteritis is viral or bacterial?

How is gastroenteritis diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will perform an exam and ask about your medical history. Your healthcare provider will likely ask for a stool sample to determine the source of your illness and whether it's bacterial or viral.

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How serious is viral gastroenteritis?

In most cases, viral gastroenteritis is not harmful. However, viral gastroenteritis can become dangerous if it leads to dehydration. Anyone with signs or symptoms of dehydration should see a doctor right away. A person with severe dehydration may need treatment at a hospital.

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What are the first signs of viral gastroenteritis?

The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. The affected person may also have headache, fever, and abdominal cramps (“stomach ache”).

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Is viral gastroenteritis very contagious?

Viral gastroenteritis can be highly infectious so it can spread very easily. It spreads when a person comes in contact with the vomit or faeces (poo) of an infected person, including: person-to-person contact, for example shaking hands with someone who has been sick and has the virus on their hands.

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Do you always vomit with viral gastroenteritis?

Most individuals with gastroenteritis will experience both diarrhea and vomiting, but some experience only one of these symptoms.

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How do you know if gastroenteritis is getting worse?

Seek medical attention if:

Vomiting persists more than two days. Diarrhea persists more than several days.

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When should you go to the hospital for viral gastroenteritis?

Adults should call a doctor if they have not been able to keep liquids down for 24 hours, have a fever of 104 or higher, are vomiting blood or have bloody stool, or show signs of excessive dehydration.

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What is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis?

Norovirus is the most common viral cause. It is responsible for 90% of epidemic diarrheal cases worldwide and approximately 50% of all viral gastroenteritis cases.

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How do you heal your gut after a stomach virus?

Take things slowly – if your digestion is still quite sensitive after the main symptoms have subsided, reintroduce foods slowly and stick to bland foods for a while until you feel better. Try little and often rather than large meals, unless you feel better by not eating too regularly.

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Does diarrhea flush out virus?

Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus.

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What not to eat when you have viral gastroenteritis?

Foods and drinks to avoid
  • Fruit juices that contain a lot of sugar and fruit drinks.
  • Sports drinks such as Gatorade.
  • Soft or carbonated drinks.
  • Caffeinated drinks.
  • Broths and canned or packaged soups.
  • Fried foods or those rich in fat (delicatessen, potato chips, French fries, pastries)

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How long is too long for gastroenteritis?

Symptoms of gastroenteritis usually last 24 to 72 hours. However, they can last up to 10 days if the stomach flu began while you were travelling abroad or upon your return. Persons with gastroenteritis are usually contagious when showing symptoms, and most particularly so when symptoms are severe.

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What are the red flags of gastroenteritis?

Nausea. Diarrhea (watery or bloody in dysentery) Vomiting. Abdominal pain.

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Can you reinfect yourself with viral gastroenteritis?

A person can be infected with norovirus more than once. Although there is a short period of time (likely a few months) immediately following infection with Norovirus that a person is protected from reinfection, it is only a temporary protection.

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Why is my stomach bug lasting so long?

People with weak immune systems may have a harder time fighting the virus than normal. Their symptoms may last longer than normal, and they also have a high risk for complications. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any of those conditions and develop viral gastroenteritis.

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Should I quarantine if I have gastroenteritis?

Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea.

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How bad is gastroenteritis pain?

What are the symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis? Symptoms can range from mild pain to life-threatening. Each person may experience symptoms differently.

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