Protect yourself against the stomach flu

November 8, 8:38 PMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

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Viral gastroenteritis is extremely contagious!

Viral gastroenteritis, the highly contagious stomach virus which usually occurs in late fall and winter, is again circulating throughout many major U.S. cities according to the Department of Health. Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. This infection which is often referred to as the "stomach flu," is not caused by the influenza viruses. You can take basic steps to prevent the illness, such as washing hands thoroughly and regularly.

Viral gastroenteritis is usually not serious and most people get better within a few days. However, it can become serious if you become dehydrated. The symptoms begin one to two days following infection and include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramping, fever, chills, aches and tiredness. Hand-washing with soap and warm water - especially before eating and after using the bathroom - is the best way to avoid this virus.

Because stomach viruses can spread quickly in group settings, school children and parents should be especially careful. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends infants and young children be vaccinated to protect against this viral infection.

The ACIP recommendation is for infants to receive three doses of the oral vaccine at two, four, and six months of age. Children should receive the first dose of the vaccine by 12 weeks of age and should receive all doses of the vaccine by 32 weeks of age. People who visit or work in nursing homes or child care centers should also be vaccinated.

There are no specific treatments for stomach viruses; however it is important to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration) in children and adults. This treatment should begin at home. Your physician may give you specific instructions about what kinds of fluid to give.

The CDC recommends that families with infants and young children keep a supply of oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home at all times and use the solution when diarrhea first occurs in the child. ORS is available at pharmacies without a prescription. Follow the written directions on the ORS package, and use clean or boiled water. Medications, including antibiotics (which have no effect on viruses) and other treatments, should be avoided unless specifically recommended by a physician. If you are concerned about becoming dehydrated, go to a health care provider or hospital immediately.

People can become sick with this stomach virus in several ways, including:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated by a person with the virus
• Coming into contact with vomit from an infected person or a recently contaminated surface
• Having direct contact with another person who is sick
• Sharing foods or eating utensils with someone who is sick
• Changing a diaper of a sick child

 How to prevent stomach viruses:

• Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before touching food. Remind children  to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating. Always wash hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds or use a commercial hand sanitizer product
• If you have a stomach virus, stay at home until you are no longer experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to keep children at home if they are ill
• If someone is sick, clean and disinfect surfaces that may have become dirty with vomit or stool as soon as possible with a germ-killing cleanser (i.e. a cleanser that contains bleach). Throw out any vomit or stool you clean up in sealed plastic bags. Remember to wear gloves and wash your hands

Viral gastroenteritis can be diagnosed by a physician on the basis of the symptoms and medical examination of the patient. The infection can be diagnosed by laboratory testing of a stool specimen. Tests to detect other viruses that cause gastroenteritis are not in routine use, but the viral gastroenteritis unit at the CDC can assist with special analysis upon request.