SCRIPT NUMBER 84
VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS
(ONE SPEAKER)
PROGRAM NAME: HEALTH NUGGETS
PROGRAM TITLE: 84
PROGRAM NUMBER:
VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS
SUBJECT: EXPLANATION OF HOW VIRUSES INFECT CELLS, SYMPTOMS,
COMPLICATIONS, TREATMENT OF VIRUS INFECTION OF
STOMACH AND INTESTINES,
KEY WORDS: GENETIC MATERIAL, INFLUENZA, HIV/AIDS, STOMACH FLU,
IMMUNE SYSTEM, DEHYDRATION, ORAL REHYDRATION
SOLUTION
DATE OF SCRIPT: NOVEMBER 2, 2012
AUTHOR: RICHARD YUKL, MD, FACS
Viruses are small packets of genetic material contained within a capsule made
of protein and, sometimes, fats. They are extremely small - too small to even be
seen through a microscope. Viruses attack and infect all types of organisms,
from animals and plants to bacteria. They attack humans of every age, race and
background all around the world. When a virus attacks a living organism, the
infected organism generates significant inflammation as it triggers its immune
response in an attempt to destroy the virus. If the organism is unable to destroy
the virus, that virus takes command of the infected cell’s functions, using them to
generate new virus particles. These new viruses then either kill the cell that
formed them as they leave, trigger non-cancerous disease in the infected cell, or
cause the infected cell to become transformed into cancer.
I have talked about virus infections in the past when we discussed influenza,
an infection of the nose, throat and lungs, and HIV/AIDS, a life-threatening viral
infection that destroys our immune system.
Today, I want to talk about yet another viral infection, one that attacks our
stomach and our entire intestinal tract. The infection’s scientific name is viral
gastroenteritis, but most people know it as the stomach flu. Worldwide, every
year, about one person in a hundred suffers stomach flu.
Spread of the stomach flu virus is either through contact with an infected
person or by eating food and water that is contaminated with the virus. Raw and
undercooked meat and seafood, especially shellfish such as oysters, can infect
you. You can also become infected if you share eating utensils, towels or food
with someone who is infected. Sadly, many times you become infected because
someone who prepared your food did not wash their hands after using the toilet.
Symptoms of stomach flu range from mild to severe. They appear within one to
three days after infection, and they usually last just a day or two, although they
can occasionally last as long as 10 days. As the virus attacks your stomach, you
will develop nausea with or without vomiting, and a low-grade fever. Infection of
your intestines causes abdominal cramps, pain and watery diarrhea. The
diarrhea does not contain blood. Bloody diarrhea would mean you have a
different, and more severe infection.
Stomach flu is not a serious illness for most people. The immune system of a
healthy person can destroy the virus, and people almost always recover
completely without any long-term problems. It is a serious illness, however, for
people who have an immature or a damaged immune system, and also for those
unfortunate people who are unable to drink enough fluids to replace what they
lose through vomiting and diarrhea. Infants, young children, and those disabled
and elderly who are unable to care for themselves, are at greatest risk. These
groups of people develop a more serious illness with more vomiting and diarrhea.
They can suffer a loss of fluids that becomes so severe that it is life threatening,
and that requires them to be hospitalized to replace of fluids by vein.
Antibiotics are not effective in fighting virus infections, and other medicines can
upset your stomach even more, so avoid taking antibiotics and other medicines
unless a physician specifically recommends them. The most important goal of
treatment is to prevent severe loss of bodily fluids. It should begin at home. If you
are a healthy adult who has developed stomach flu, let your stomach rest while
your body fights the virus. Stop eating solid foods, and avoid dairy products,
caffeine, alcohol and nicotine until you feel better. Instead of eating solid foods,
try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water or clear broths. Drink plenty
of liquid every day, but take small, frequent sips. A liquid called “Oral Rehydration
Solution” may be available where you live. It comes in bottles available at
pharmacies without a prescription. It is a good source of fluids, as well as
essential salts and minerals. As your symptoms improve, gradually begin to eat
bland, easy-to-digest foods such as soda crackers, toast and bananas, but stop
eating if your nausea returns. Also, get plenty of rest.
As compared to healthy adults, infants and children can become dangerously ill
very rapidly. Watch for signs of dehydration in your sick infant or child by
comparing how much they drink and urinate with how much is normal for them.
You should take them to a doctor if they begin to show signs of dehydration, or if
they become unusually sleepy or unresponsive. Also, spitting up may be an
everyday occurrence for your baby, but vomiting is not. See a doctor right away if
your baby develops vomiting that lasts more than several hours, or if they
develop severe diarrhea. Other signs that your baby is in danger are that they
become very irritable, complain of a lot of pain, or if they develop bloody stools.
Because there's no effective medicine to treat viral gastroenteritis once you
have the infection, prevention is key. In addition to avoiding food and water that
may be contaminated, thorough and frequent hand washing is your best defense.
Wash your hands thoroughly, especially after using the toilet. Use warm water
and soap and rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds, then rinse
thoroughly, and dry your hands using a clean towel. Avoid sharing eating
utensils, glasses and plates with anyone else. If possible, avoid close contact
with anyone who has the virus. Finally, get vaccinated. A vaccine against
gastroenteritis is now available in some countries, and it appears to be effective
in preventing the most severe symptoms of this infection.
Health Nuggets is written by Dr. Richard Yukl, a medical doctor working in the
United States. The medical views expressed in this program are his and may
differ for your particular health needs. If you need medical advice, please consult
a medical professional in your area.