Causes of a Stomach Virus

You've experienced it: the nausea, the diarrhea, the vomiting, the aches and pains, feeling hot and cold at the same time, and you assume that you have a stomach virus. However, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., there is really no such thing as a "stomach virus"; rather, there are several types of viruses that can infect your small intestine causing a condition that is properly called "viral gastroenteritis."

Rotavirus

• Worldwide, the rotavirus is the most common viral infection to afflict children and infants, and is, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of childhood death. Rotavirus can also infect adults, but usually the symptoms are much milder. According to the Mayo Clinic, children typically contract rotavirus by putting their fingers or a contaminated object into their mouths. Rotavirus causes diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever and usually lasts between three and eight days. There is a vaccination for rotavirus available in many countries, including the United States.

Adenovirus

• There are 49 types of adenovirus, but only one affects the gastrointestinal tract, creating a "stomach flu" experience replete with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and headache. Adenovirus is highly contagious and can be spread by person-to-person contact, fecal secretions (transferred through poor hygiene practices or through contaminated food or water) or by handling infected objects. According to Dr. Schoenstadt, adenovirus is an infection common to children age 2 and under. If you suspect your child has contracted an adenovirus, take him to his pediatrician, as fluid therapy may be required to prevent dehydration.

Astrovirus

• According to Dr. Schoenstadt, astrovirus usually infects people whose immune systems may be weak, typically the elderly, infants and young children (5 years and under). There are seven types of astroviruses that all cause gastrointestinal distress including diarrhea and vomiting. It is transmitted through person-to-person contact, fecal contamination or by handling contaminated objects. Astroviruses are predominant during the winter months, but are fortunately self-limiting and of short duration.

Norwalk Virus

• Norwalk virus can infect anyone, but it is most common in older children and adults, presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Norwalk virus is passed through the feces, therefore, infection can only be transmitted as a result of poor personal hygiene or by consuming contaminated ice, water or food (common sources are shellfish, raw vegetables and eggs). Norwalk virus typically runs its course in two to three days, and requires no medical attention unless fluid therapy is needed to prevent dehydration.

Caliciviruses

• Caliciviruses are a group of viruses that can infect people of all ages. This group is typified by the sapovirus, formerly known as "sapphoro-like virus" (SLV), which is often considered to be the "classic" form of the viral group Caliciviridae, and is frequently the cause of the onset of acute gastroenteritis in humans. Characterized by sudden onset and short duration, acute gastroenteritis is typified by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle aches and headache. Symptoms typically present within 1 to 3 days of exposure.