Intestinal virosis: How long does it last? It comes on quickly, but lasts a short time

The causative agents of intestinal virosis are different types of viruses. Rotaviruses are the first. It affects people of all ages, but most often young children. Its incidence increases with the onset of winter.

Intestinal viruses are a very unpleasant and bothersome affair. They are not usually to be taken too seriously. A worse course can be expected in adults, but in young children again dehydration occurs rapidly. This is also true in the elderly and sick patients.

Intestinal flu - what does it mean?

Intestinal flu or intestinal viremia is actually acute viral enteritis (acute inflammation of the intestine caused by viruses). Sometimes it occurs in isolation and sometimes together with inflammation of the stomach. This condition is called acute viral gastroenteritis.

The disease occurs sporadically, but larger epidemics occur, especially in collective settings. Mostly young children are at risk, namely newborns and children aged 1 to 5 years.

The age-related incidence is about 90 % in children and the remaining 10 % in adults.

From contact to infection

Viral enteritis is a highly infectious disease. Infection occurs in a relatively simple way, depending, among other things, on the type of virus. Most often it is through direct contact with the sick person, either by faecal-oral contact (shaking dirty hands) or by contaminated objects and water.

However, distance from the sick person may not be sufficient. The virus can also spread through the air, specifically through contaminated dust (e.g. rotavirus). Some types of viruses can also be infected sporadically through poor cooking of food (e.g. caliciviruses).

The incubation period from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms is specific for each virus species. In enteric influenza, regardless of the causative agent, the incubation period ranges from a few hours to a few days.

Tip.

What happens in the intestines?

Once the viruses enter the body, they settle in the lining of the small intestine (intestinum tenue). They multiply, attack the epithelial cells, and cause their destruction. Thus, the intestine is dominated by immature cells that are unable to absorb sugars and certain other nutrients. Outwardly, this process is manifested by diarrhoea.

To whom or to what do we owe it?

Viruses are the causative agents of the disease, most often rotaviruses, of which we know several groups, but also others.

Rotavirus infections are also the cause of about 10% of all travel-related infections.

Viruses causing diarrhoea, routes of transmission and the group of people most at risk

Rotavirus infections

Rotaviruses are the most common cause of enteritis, but especially gastroenteritis in young children and infants.

There are a total of 5 subgroups A-E. Only subgroups A, B and C cause disease in humans. They occur worldwide. The incidence in the tropics and subtropics is sporadic year-round, while in temperate conditions it is seasonal with a peak in winter.

The incubation period of rotavirus gastroenteritis is 12 hours to 3 days.

The disease begins rapidly with nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, crampy abdominal pain, lack of appetite, bloating and watery diarrhea. Diarrhea occurs 10 times or more per day. The color of stools tends to be green.

It is because of the frequent diarrhoea that children are at risk of dehydration.

As a rule, fever and flu-like symptoms are also present. Rotavirus infections have also caused several deaths.

Norovirus (calcivirus) infections

Unlike rotaviruses, Norwalk virus (a member of the Caliciviridae group) tends to cause gastroenteritis in older children and adults.

It is also characterised by a slightly milder course of disease. It is typically seasonal, with most cases occurring in winter. It can be encountered everywhere in the world.

The incubation period ranges from 24 to 48 hours after contact with the patient.

The disease starts suddenly, but a slower and more gradual course is more likely. Initially there is fatigue, malaise, drowsiness, headache, muscle and body aches. Gradually nausea, vomiting, crampy abdominal pain and watery diarrhoea appear.

Dehydration is possible but less likely than with rotavirus, as the illness resolves within two to three days.

Interesting:
The name Norwalk virus is derived from the town of Norwalk, located in Fairfield County in the US state of Connecticut.
It was here that the virus was first discovered in 1972 after an outbreak of diarrheal disease.
The virus spread in a local high school.

Adenovirus infections

Adenoviruses cause a variety of diseases, some serotypes and gastroenteritis. They are widespread year-round throughout the world. They affect mostly young children during the first years of life and their course resembles a milder form of rotavirus diarrhoea with a longer duration of up to two weeks.

The disease is manifested by a rise in body temperature, weakness, inappetence, general malaise, vomiting, abdominal pain of moderate and lower intensity and watery diarrhoea.

Astroviral infections

Astroviruses are widespread throughout the world. They cause acute gastroenteritis mainly in children under two years of age, but do not avoid older children and adults. They are most commonly encountered as small epidemics in collective settings where the virus spreads rapidly.

The course is usually without serious complications or the need for hospitalisation.

The incubation period is usually 3 to 4 days.

Astroviruses are more likely to cause isolated enteritis. Gastroenteritis may also occur. The illness begins with fatigue, weakness, inappetence, nausea, rarely vomiting, and the temperature is only slightly elevated. The clinical picture is dominated by watery diarrhoea with crampy abdominal pain.

Coronavirus infections

Coronaviruses are one of the likely causative agents of infectious diarrhoea. They mainly affect newborns and children under one year of age, in whom necrotising (necrotizing) enterocolitis is the presumed cause. It is in these children that coronaviruses have been isolated.

They are characterised by a year-round occurrence.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is manifested by high temperatures, severe crampy abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea with blood and mucus, general weakness, fatigue and excessive sleepiness.

How do intestinal viruses manifest themselves?

Intestinal influenza, regardless of the causative agent, has almost the same symptoms. The differences with regard to the causative agent are minimal and relate mainly to the incubation period with varying duration, the overall length of the illness and the intensity of the individual symptoms.

Basic common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis

• fever or subfebrile illness
• general weakness, malaise
• sweating or shivering
• lack of appetite
• nausea, vomiting
• crampy abdominal pain of varying intensity
• watery, numerous stools
• dehydration
• dizziness

Diagnosis of intestinal viruses

Diagnosis is partly based on the history and clinical picture. However, this is insufficient for a definitive diagnosis. Even bacterial diseases of the digestive system can present similarly. This is why laboratory confirmation of viral infection by virus isolation is necessary.

In the case of diarrheal disease, stool swabs are routinely taken for culture to determine the presence of a bacterial agent. If the culture is negative and the disease manifested itself in the winter period, it is necessary to think about a viral agent.

Detection of the viral agent is possible by ELISA based on the presence of viral antigens or proteins.

Treatment of intestinal viruses

The treatment of all intestinal gastroenteritis is symptomatic only, with no differences in the different viral causes.

Rehydration of the organism and modification of the internal environment

Patients are at risk of severe fluid loss and dehydration. They lose fluid not only through severe diarrhoea but also through vomiting and excessive sweating associated with fever.

Rehydration of the body (replenishing lost fluids), modification of the internal environment and diet are therefore essential.

In most cases, the patient is able to take fluids by mouth. Only in exceptional situations, in more severe courses of the disease, is intravenous, infusion therapy necessary. In newborns and smaller children, a nasogastric tube (a tube inserted through the baby's nose and into the stomach) is inserted through which fluids are administered.

Dietary modification - diet

Dietary restrictions in diarrhoea are important. During the first 24 hours of illness, fasting is most appropriate. Only liquids should be taken, preferably unsweetened or lightly sweetened tea.

Interesting:
Some people still drink Coca Cola with diarrhea.
And they do well.
It promotes the production of stomach acid.

It's not just what we should eat, but how we should eat it.

Food should be taken in small quantities and several times a day. Eating food at three-hour intervals is suitable. It should be either blended (for younger children) or well chewed (for older individuals). First, any indigestible residues such as peelings or grains should be got rid of.

Tip: How to stop diarrhoea in children

Dietary restrictions vary based on the age differences of the patients. In adults and older children, dietary fats are mainly restricted.

For toddlers, mashed bananas, apples, carrot soup or mashed potatoes are recommended.