Digestive virus, also known as “enterovirus” or “viral gastroenteritis”, is an inflammatory condition of the stomach and intestine, caused by infection with various viruses. Most of the time, the infection occurs among children and the elderly, due to the vulnerable immune system. In fact, acute viral gastroenteritis is the most common cause of diarrheal disease worldwide. Among the causes of digestive virosis, infection withNorovirus, a specific type of enterovirus, is responsible for over 90% of documented cases. Frequently, this type of infection causes epidemic outbreaks of diarrhea worldwide, but vaccination can prevent them.
Before vaccination,Rotavirusinfectionis the main cause of digestive virosis, especially among children. Worldwide,Rotavirus infection causes over 440,000 deaths annually, often as a result of untreated viral gastroenteritis complications. As vaccines have been introduced, the number of cases of gastroenteritis has decreased significantly and should continue to decline. Viral infection of the digestive tract can be manifested by severe symptoms such as severe diarrhea, nausea, and severe abdominal pain. In the absence of treatment and optimal management of diarrhea, with constant hydration, complications also appear.
Digestive virus – causes and risk factors
Digestive flu is caused by infection with different types of viruses, such as:
- Norovirus: it is the main cause of intestinal virosis in adults and older children.Norovirusinfections are highly contagious and can spread quickly in closed communities, such as schools, hospitals, and nursing homes;
- Rotavirus: is the main cause of digestive virosis (viral gastroenteritis) among children under 5 years of age. Hospitalization is often necessary, due to very strong dehydration caused by violent diarrhea. In many countries, vaccination has greatly reduced the severity and incidence of infection:
- Adenovirus: it is a rarer cause of digestive virosis, especially in small children. These viruses can cause other respiratory or eye infections, besides viral gastroenteritis;
- Sapovirus and Astrovirus: the infection occurs especially in young children and people with a compromised immune system, causing symptoms of digestive virosis similar to those that occur after infection with other gastrointestinal viruses.
As mentioned,Norovirusinfection is the main cause of digestive virosis. Regarding how long enterovirus is contagious, it is unlikely that 2-3 days after the symptoms have disappeared, the person will still be contagious. However, some studies show that the contagious potential exists even after a few weeks after the symptoms disappear.
The transmission of digestive virosis is usually via the fecal-oral route, which means that the virus can be ingested through direct contact with infected fecal matter or through various contaminated foods, water, or surfaces. Also, viruses can spread even through airborne particles, eliminated during vomiting, or through direct contact with the saliva or vomit of the infected person.
The viruses responsible for digestive virosis affect the epithelial cells of the intestinal mucosa and disrupt the normal function of the absorption and secretion of water and electrolytes. A so-called “osmotic diarrhea” occurs, exacerbated by the fact that, in addition, viruses also cause inflammation and destruction of cells in the intestine. In addition, fluid loss occurs in the intestine, which increases the severity of diarrhea.
Digestive virus – symptoms and clinical manifestations
The digestive virus is defined as an infection that leads to watery diarrhea, with the daily elimination of at least 3 stools. Regarding how long an enterovirus lasts, the symptoms can be felt even for a week, but they usually improve after 1-3 days. The symptoms of digestive virosis usually appear 1-2 hours after contracting the pathogen and include:
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Diarrhea
It is the main symptom of the digestive virus. This is usually watery and leads to frequent bowel movements. As a result, rapid dehydration can occur, especially in children and the elderly. In severe cases, the diarrhea from the digestive virus may contain blood, and mucus, which is a sign of a more serious infection or a possible complication.
Vomiting
Vomitingis another common symptom in case of digestive virosis and often appears shortly after the onset of diarrhea. These can vary from mild, occasional episodes to much more frequent, repeated episodes that contribute to the rapid loss of fluids and electrolytes, which can increase the risk of dehydration.
Nausea and abdominal discomfort
Nausea, abdominal pain, and cramps are common in the case of digestive virosis. Discomfort can vary from mild cramps to severe pain, located in the umbilical (ie around the navel) or epigastric (chest area).
Systemic symptoms
Fever
Mild fever (37.3-38°C) is common in cases of acute digestive virosis. Conversely, a fever that is higher than 39°C raises the suspicion of gastroenteritis caused by bacterial infections. Symptoms of tachycardia and tachypnea may also appear, due to fever and dehydration.
Fatigue and weakness
Due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes and the systemic effects of the viral infection, people with digestive virosis often have generalized fatigue and weakness. These symptoms will be progressively more intense due to dehydration and lack of adequate nutritional intake.
Symptoms of dehydration
Dehydration is the most serious complication in case of digestive virosis, especially in children the elderly, or people with chronic conditions. Signs of dehydration include:
- Intense thirst;
- Dry mouth and skin;
- Decreased urinary frequency, elimination of a small amount of dark-colored urine;
- Extreme fatigue, signs of confusion;
- Increased heart and respiratory rate;
- Muscle cramps.
In severe cases, dehydration can evolve into hypovolemic shock, a medical emergency that requires rapid intervention.
Digestive virus – treatment
There is no treatment for digestive virosis, at least not a curative one. Since it is a viral infection, antibiotics have no therapeutic effect. The treatment of enteroviruses in adults and children is primarily aimed at improving symptoms, and the main objective is rehydration and correction of electrolyte losses. Hydration can be done with:
- Solutions with glucose and electrolytes available in pharmacies or sports drinks;
- Although there is a tendency for the person with digestive virosis to vomit, rehydration must be continued with small, constant sips;
- If the child is breastfed, breastfeeding will ensure the necessary water and electrolyte intake;
- In severe cases (vomiting that cannot be treated, signs of dehydration) even hospitalization is necessary, in order to carefully monitor and correct the hydro electrolytic deficit;
- There is no recommended or imposed diet for digestive virosis. However, the person with the digestive virus will usually have no appetite and, if he eats, he has a tendency to vomit. Shortly after the disappearance of the symptoms, it is recommended to eat light food. For a short period of time, people can have a slight intolerance to lactose;
- The introduction of drugs in the treatment of intestinal virosis in adults depends on the case. Antiemetic drugs can help control nausea and vomiting. However, it is still unclear whether antidiarrheal drugs should be administered.
Prevention of dehydration in people with digestive virosis is the main objective. If signs of dehydration appear, emergency medical consultation is necessary.
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