Mom’s Stomach Virus Survival Guide

stomach virus

(Written by Elle Yi) A stomach virus generally known as stomach flu involves inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract of the intestines and stomach, called gastroenteritis. A stomach virus is often transmitted quickly.

Barbara Frankowski, MD, professor of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital in Burlington likes to use the term stomach bug to describe a group of viruses that can upset stomach. The two main culprits are the rotavirus, which is more usual during the cold months, and the adenovirus and echovirus that prefer the summer and spring seasons.

Infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the stomach virus with increased potential for much more serious symptoms. The virus enters the stomach and results in nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps and appetite loss. It usually lasts 24 to 72 hours.

Specifically, Early stomach Virus symptoms involve stomach pain, cramps, nausea, headaches and quite often a fever. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be experienced once the virus goes into full force. While kids suffer from a stomach virus, they can pass it on to others. In accordance with the University of Michigan Health System, the best way to prevent the spread of stomach flu is through frequent hand washing.

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