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Newark, NJ—During the winter months, reports often
show an increase in viral gastroenteritis, an infection caused
by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It
is often called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by
the influenza viruses. With a bit of prevention, your family can
avoid this unpleasant condition.
“The virus is highly contagious and debilitating,” Michael
Rosen, MD, Pediatric Director of the Emergency Department
at Newark Beth Israel Medical
Center and Children's Hospital of New Jersey, adding that a
sick person usually recovers within 24 to 60 hours of catching
the bug. “As with most viruses, the best way to prevent
infection is by frequently hand-washing with soap and water,” he said.
To avoid infection, families should wash hands frequently and
thoroughly — whether members feel ill or not. When soap and
water aren't readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
to disinfect your hands. The viruses that cause stomach flu
are spread through close contact with infected persons (for example,
by sharing food, water, or eating utensils of someone who has the
stomach flu). You can also spread the virus by not washing your
hands after cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, or after using the bathroom.
Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis
in adults. Symptoms appear within one to three days of exposure.
Patients typically feel better after a day or two, but are contagious
for at least three days after recovery.
Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis
in infants and young children. Symptoms of rotavirus appear one
to two days after exposure. Patients can remain contagious for
two weeks after recovery.
- Stomach flu can have different symptoms, but the common ones
are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- For nausea and vomiting, stop eating for two to four hours,
and then gradually introduce small amounts of fluids. Avoid most
solid foods for 24 hours.
- If you can’t keep the water down, gradually work up to
small amounts — half-a-cup or less — of Gatorade,
- Get plenty of rest to help you recover.
- For diarrhea, don’t eat or drink for four hours; then
gradually increase your intake of fluids. Avoid most solid foods
and fruit juices for 24 to 48 hours.
- After the first 24 to 48 hours, gradually resume eating solid
foods like bananas, applesauce, or dry toast.
- The stomach flu virus is contagious – don’t let
anyone eat or drink after you.
- If your stomach flu symptoms are severe, unusual, or persistent,
call your healthcare provider for advice.
- Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have bloody
diarrhea, if you become dehydrated (feel weak, lightheaded or
dizzy, or your heart is racing), or if you have been vomiting
for more than two days or if you are vomiting blood.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 673-bed regional care teaching
hospital, provides comprehensive health care to its local communities
and is a major referral and treatment center for the northern New
Jersey metropolitan area. With more than 800 physicians, 3,200
employees and 150 volunteers, the Medical Center has over 300,000
outpatient visits and 25,000 admissions annually. The
main phone number for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center,
located at 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace in Newark, is (973)
926-7000, or visit www.barnabashealth.org.
For physician referral information, please call 1-888-724-7123.
Follow us on Twitter: get real time news from the Saint Barnabas
Health Care System at www.twitter.com/barnabas_health .
Date: February 22, 2010
Contact: Beth Salamon
Public Relations
Phone: 973.322.4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
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