Diarrhea and vomiting are often symptoms of gastroenteritis, a condition that is often referred to as stomach flu. The stomach and intestines become inflamed and irritated with gastroenteritis. Infections caused by viruses or bacteria are usually the cause.
 
Watery diarrhea and vomiting are commonly associated with gastroenteritis. In addition to stomach pain, cramping, fever, nausea, and headaches, you may also suffer from stomach cramps. It is also possible to become dehydrated as a result of diarrhea and vomiting. Feeling lightheaded, having dry skin, and being thirsty are all signs of dehydration. In case of any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor.
 
Whenever your child has stomach flu, make sure to look for signs that they are very thirsty or have dry skin or a dry mouth. Until all symptoms of gastroenteritis have subsided, keep children out of daycare or school. Make sure you check with your doctor before giving your child any medicine. Diarrhea and vomiting drugs aren’t usually prescribed to children under the age of five.

The best way to avoid gastroenteritis is by taking preventative measures such as receiving a vaccination against gastroenteritis caused by rotavirus, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals. Many countries, including the United States, offer rotavirus vaccines to prevent gastroenteritis. This vaccine appears to prevent severe symptoms of this illness when given to children in their first year of life.
 
Maintain a healthy body weight by drinking plenty of fluids. In time, you should be able to return to eating your normal diet. It might be easier for you to start eating bland, easily digestible foods at first. Follow the same approach if your child is sick – offer plenty of fluids. Start letting your child eat his or her normal diet as soon as possible. Continue to feed your child as usual if you are breastfeeding or using formula. Give your child an oral rehydration solution, available at pharmacies without a prescription, if your child is experiencing dehydration.
 
Gastroenteritis is not usually caused for much concern however, complications can arise such as dehydration which can be particularly worrisome in children. Patients who wish to seek treatment for gastroenteritis to find symptomatic relief and to put their minds at ease regarding the potential of complications can do so at Vanguard Gastroenterology.

Viral gastroenteritis is most likely to occur after consuming contaminated food or water. A person with one of the viruses that cause gastroenteritis may also infect you if they share utensils, towels, or food with you. Many viruses are capable of triggering gastroenteritis, primarily norovirus, and rotavirus.

Children and adults are both susceptible to noroviruses, the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide. Family and community members can be affected by norovirus infections. Concentrated spaces are the most likely places for it to spread. You usually contract the virus by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. It can also be spread between people who are close to each other or who share food. Norovirus can also be contracted by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth.

In children worldwide, rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis, which can be transmitted by putting contaminated fingers or objects into their mouths. In addition, contaminated food can spread the disease. Among infants and young children, the infection is the most severe. Rotavirus can infect adults without causing symptoms, but they can still spread the disease. Nursing homes are particularly at risk because adults with the virus can unknowingly spread the virus to others. In certain countries, including the United States, a vaccine against viral gastroenteritis is available.

Patients seeking a gastroenteritis specialist in Midtown, NYC, can find one at Vanguard Gastroenterology. Call us or book an online appointment. We are conveniently located at 36 East 31 Street Suite 701 New York City, NY 10016. We serve patients from New York NY, Queens NY, Brooklyn NY, The Bronx NY, East Elmhurst NY, Ridgewood NY, Valley Stream NY, and Staten Island NY.