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What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Stomach Virus?

Stomach viruses can affect anyone, at any age. However, the young, elderly and those with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of more serious complications, such as dehydration. Stomach virus is the cause for millions of cases of diarrhea each year in the United States. The virus affects the large and small intestines and can last up to 10 days. There is not a specific treatment available for a stomach virus, but symptoms can often be managed with over-the-counter medications, plenty of fluids and rest.

  1. Identification

    • Stomach virus is often inappropriately referred to as stomach flu--influenza is not the cause of a stomach virus. Medically, the condition is referred to as viral gastroenteritis. The virus is not caused by bacteria or parasites--salmonella or e-coli--either. Rather, it is commonly passed to by those who improperly wash their hands. Other causes can include sharing the food or drink of an infected person, or by tainted shellfish and water (see Reference 2).

    Common Signs & Symptoms

    • Stomach viruses are contagious and affect people of all ages. The signs and symptoms of the virus more commonly include watery stools, nausea and vomiting. This can lead to dehydration, a concern with stomach virus. It is important to drink plenty of fluids with a stomach virus to avoid more serious problems caused by dehydration. There is not any specific treatment for the virus; however, managing the symptoms can alleviate some discomfort while ill.

    Dehydration Symtpoms

    • According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), dehydration can be life threatening. Excessive thirst and a dry mouth, accompanied with extreme tiredness or weakness can indicate a person is dehydrated. Other signs and symptoms associated with dehydration include dark urine, or little or no urine, lessened ability to produce tears and dizziness. The NDDIC recommends seeking medical attention if these signs and symptoms are present with a stomach virus.

    Other Symptoms

    • Other symptoms of a stomach virus can include, fever, chills and headache. Abdominal pain and muscle aches are also symptoms of viral gastroenteritis. Symptoms can last up to 10 days and generally appear within 2 days to 1 week after exposure. However, depending on the type of viruses causing viral gastroenteritis, the appearance of signs and symptoms may vary. It is important to seek medical advice to determine which type of stomach virus is affecting a person.

    Types

    • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the strains of viruses causing viral gastroenteritis are rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses and astroviruses. Rotaviruses affect children ages 5 years and under. These viruses are more common during the months of November through April and generally cause diarrhea.

      Noroviruses, the most common cause for stomach virus, affect people of all ages during October through April. The symptoms of a norovirus are vomiting and diarrhea, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

      Adenoviruses occur year round, affecting 2 year old children and under. Astroviruses are present normally in the winter. The elderly, infants and small children are more commonly afflicted with astroviruses. The common signs and symptoms of this type is diarrhea and vomiting .

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