Hi,
Gastroenteritis is a highly contagious Intestinal Infection which is caused by most commonly viruses and less often by bacteria, commonly known as
stomach flu. A person can develop stomach flu after contact with an infected person or consuming contaminated food and water. People usually recover from stomach flu within a few days without any further complications and no specific treatment may be needed. Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 days of Infection and people may suffer from incredibly unpleasant symptoms 12-48 hours after being exposed to the Infection.
Symptoms may last for 3-7 days but it can last up to 10 days in severe cases. Stomach flu or gastroenteritis attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms, like watery, usually non-bloody diarrhea,
abdominal pain and cramps, nausea or vomiting,
low grade fever, headache, muscle aches etc. Treatment is symptomatic. Take plenty of fluids and oral rehydration salt (ORS), antipyretics for fever, antiemetics for vomiting,
loperamide to stop diarrhea, wash your hands with soap and water frequently and strictly maintain personal hygiene.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General and Family Physician,