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Viral gastroenteritis, often called "stomach flu," is an infection that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Learn the symptoms and treatment of viral gastroenteritis.
What is viral gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis means the inflammation is caused by infection from a virus. It often causesvomiting(throwing up),diarrheaor both.
Viral gastroenteritis is often called "stomach flu," but it is not caused by the influenza virus. Viruses that cause viral gastroenteritis include rotaviruses, torovirus, adenoviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, and a group of Norwalk-like viruses.
Viral gastroenteritis is NOT caused by any of the following, although the symptoms may be similar:
bacteria such as salmonella or E. coliparasites such as Giardiamedicationsother medical conditions
Key points
Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the sto