Viral Gastroenteritis

VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS

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Definition

Viral gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by viruses, affecting the stomach and small intestine. It mainly presents with watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. It is often incorrectly referred to as the “stomach flu”.

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Epidemiology

• Very common in children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system.

• Frequent in closed environments: schools, hospitals, nursing homes.

• Higher incidence in winter and early spring.

• Most common viruses:

• Rotavirus (children)

• Norovirus (all ages)

• Adenovirus

• Astrovirus

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Pathology

1. The virus enters the body through the fecal-oral route or via contaminated food and water.

2. It reaches the intestines and infects the cells of the intestinal lining.

3. This causes inflammation, disrupted absorption, and increased fluid secretion → diarrhea.

4. In some cases: temporary malabsorption and dehydration.

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Causes

• Contamination through:

• Unsafe food or water

• Contact with infected surfaces or objects

• Direct contact with infected individuals

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Risk Factors

• Poor hygiene (especially unwashed hands)

• Eating raw or unwashed food

• Travel to areas with low hygiene standards

• Close contact in enclosed spaces (daycares, hospitals, cruise ships)

Diagnosis

• Clinical: based on symptoms

• In severe or prolonged cases:

• Stool tests to rule out bacterial/parasitic infections

• Rapid antigen tests for Rotavirus/Norovirus

• Blood tests: complete blood count, electrolytes to assess dehydration

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Treatment

• Oral rehydration: with oral rehydration solution (ORS) containing salts and sugars

• Severe cases: intravenous fluids

• Antipyretics (e.g. paracetamol) for fever

• Antiemetics for persistent vomiting

• Probiotics to restore gut flora

• Light diet: rice, carrots, bananas, dry toast

• Avoid antibiotics (they don’t work on viruses)

• Avoid: dairy, fatty or sugary foods during acute phase

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Nursing Care

• Assess hydration status: mucous membranes, urine output, skin turgor

• Monitor vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure)

• Administer and monitor oral or IV fluids

• Support with personal hygiene and managing stool output

• Educate patient on proper diet and hygiene

• Temporary isolation in case of outbreaks (e.g., Norovirus)

• Report to authorities if an outbreak is suspected

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Prevention and Advice

• Always wash hands with soap and water, especially after bathroom use and before eating

• Avoid contact with infected individuals

• Properly cook food and wash fruits/vegetables

• Drink safe, clean water

• Regularly clean frequently-touched surfaces and objects

• If infected: stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms end

• Rotavirus vaccine (recommended for infants).