Causes and management of Stomach Virus

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One of the causes of abdominal disorder especially in the digestive system is stomach flu caused by a viral infection. The leading common cause of stomach flu is norovirus. Stomach viruses are highly contagious and can spread easily through eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus, orally contacted as well as in the stool of an infected person.

Symptoms
Common symptoms are abdominal ache, muscular ache, watery or bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, fatigue, fever and headaches. When to seek medical attention? If you are experiencing dehydration, vomiting, bloody stool, high fever and severe headache, it is expected you quickly seek proper medical care.

Diagnosis
Stool test may be requested to detect the virus. Also, stool sample can be used to rule out a possible bacterial or parasitic infection.

Treatment
It is highly important to know that the stomach needs to be free of food (especially solid foods) for a while until the condition improves, all you need do is to increase fluid intake. Do not take any juice or other beverages which can worsen diarrhea. Resume food intake with easily digestible food such as soda crackers, toast, and rice. Avoid taken substances that include dairy, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and fatty or highly seasoned foods. Avoid medication without proper prescription from medical personnel.

Prevention
Cultivate the habit of proper hand hygiene; the washing of hands with soap and water especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or before eating or preparing food. Design and use precautionary measures like rinsing of fruits and vegetables when in the kitchen as well as cooking food thoroughly.
Clean and disinfect susceptible contaminated places especially after vomiting or diarrhea. Wash clothes and other materials contaminated properly. Avoid close personal contact with an infected person. Vaccinate every child under a year against stomach virus where it is available.