Virology, Emerging Diseases & vaccines

Gastrointestinal viral diseases

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection marked by watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu —is through contact with an infected person or by ingesting contaminated food or water. If you're otherwise healthy, you'll likely recover without complications. But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly. There's no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. In addition to avoiding food and water that may be contaminated, thorough and frequent hand-washings are your best defense. The vaccine has significantly reduced the incidence of severe rotavirus infections globally. Rotavirus typically causes fever, vomiting, and watery diarrhea, and while it is usually self-limiting, rehydration therapy is essential in preventing complications. In addition to rotavirus and norovirus, adenoviruses and astroviruses also contribute to gastrointestinal infections, particularly in young children, though their impact is generally less severe. Preventive measures for gastrointestinal viral diseases include proper hand hygiene, safe food handling, and vaccination. The rotavirus vaccine has proven to be an effective preventive tool in reducing the burden of severe rotavirus infections, especially in children. In addition, improving access to clean water and sanitation, as well as promoting hygiene education, can help reduce the spread of these viruses.