Question: What to do for Viral Gastroenteritis ?
Answer: - Viral gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Several different viruses can cause viral gastroenteritis, which is highly contagious and extremely common. - The main symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting. - Dehydration is the most common complication of viral gastroenteritis. - When someone does not drink enough fluids to replace those that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration can result. Signs of dehydration in adults are excessive thirst, infrequent urination, dark-colored urine, dry skin, and lethargy, dizziness, or faintness. - Infants, young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems have the greatest risk of becoming dehydrated. - Viral gastroenteritis is transmitted from person to person. - Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis is usually based on symptoms alone. - Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve over time without specific treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. - Adults with viral gastroenteritis should drink plenty of liquids such as fruit juices, sports drinks, caffeine-free soft drinks, and broths to replace fluids and electrolytes. - Children with viral gastroenteritis should be given oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration. - People can reduce their chances of getting or spreading viral gastroenteritis if they wash their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating or handling food, disinfect contaminated surfaces, and avoid foods or liquids that might be contaminated.
Source: NIDDK