The 10 most common symptoms of the stomach virus

If you’ve ever had gastroenteritis, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: how long does a stomach virus last? This is one of the most common that we see at MedVisit, and also one of the most annoying. Of course, it is easy to confuse it with other stomach ailments. Here is a complete guide to detect it.

Why can this virus be contracted?

There are three main ways or sources of spread that you can suffer.

• Norovirus. A very common form of contagion. This is transmitted in food and liquids that are contaminated or spoiled.
• Rotavirus. This especially affects children, mainly because of their habits. When they put their hands in their mouths after they have been contaminated, this is when they have the option to become infected. In the case of adults, they are usually asymptomatic to this type of virus.
• Bacteria and other causes. There are also microorganisms that, without being viruses, can cause discomfort, pain and, in general, this type of disease.

In essence, spoiled or contaminated food is one of the main causes of this virus. Therefore, hand washing is crucial to prevent it, as well as eating in hygienic places and with reliable products.

Stomach virus symptoms

Actually, the symptoms you may feel when suffering from this virus are not too many:

1. Watery diarrhea

The first thing that gives away the presence of this virus. Your stools are almost all watery. Of course, without blood. In case you detect the presence of this you should go to one of your trusted English speaking doctors immediately, as it could mean that there is a deeper and more serious infection in your body.

In any case, diarrhea, apart from being annoying, also entails its own problems. Think of it as a way to dehydrate yourself quickly, so it will be one of the first symptoms you need to cut off as soon as possible. If you want to know what is good for the stomach virus, the first thing to do is to rest, and the second thing to do is to take products that will help you to stop the diarrhea.

2. Fever

Usually, stomach viruses are not accompanied by high fevers, just a few tenths that are complemented by a general malaise that spreads throughout your body. Just as diarrhea is always present in these viruses, fever is not, as it can occur only in those people who are more prone to this type of disease or who simply have more weakness and lower defenses.

3. Nausea and vomiting

As we have seen above, this type of virus is usually caused especially by spoiled food. Therefore, a natural reaction of the stomach is usually to want to eliminate such food. In these cases, vomiting (although not so common) can be quite present in this type of viral symptoms. What does appear more frequently is nausea.

4. Abdominal and stomach pain

Present in both children and adults. An obvious consequence and a very clear symptom of these viruses is pain. It can be more or less intense, and in those cases in which it appears with greater force and does not recede, it will be advisable to go to a specialist.

5. Generalized fatigue

As always happens when your body is fighting or fighting against a virus, your general strength suffers. Therefore, a common symptom that should not worry you is fatigue. Muscle pain may even appear, although it is not so common.

However, you have probably found similarities between this disease and intoxication. So, what are the differences between stomach virus and intoxication? Well, mainly that the latter lasts much less time. Once your body manages to expel all that harmful presence, its balance is restored. The fight against the virus is more prolonged.

When is it necessary to see a doctor?

If you have blood in your vomit or stools. Similarly, if you have not retained fluids in your stomach for more than a day and you begin to notice signs of dehydration, you should see a professional. Also, if vomiting continues for two days or if the fever exceeds 39 degrees.

People with a risk factor

The most vulnerable to this type of virus are:

• Young children, as they do not yet have a well-developed immune system.
• Older adults. Their immune system is weakened and much more fragile.
• People with weakened immune systems. Either because they have recently had serious illnesses or because they do not have active defenses.
• Children living in residential homes. Where many children gather together, this type of virus proliferates.

In short, it is not easy to know how long the stomach virus lasts, since, as we have seen, it depends on several factors. In most cases it persists for a maximum of three days, although it can last up to ten. Sometimes the symptoms worsen and it is necessary to consult our English speaking doctors in Barcelona specialized in this matter.