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Is Stomach Viral Infection Contagious?
Posted on
Tue, 19 Apr 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 19 Apr 2016
Answered on
Fri, 10 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have diarrhea and vomiting since last night about 10:00 pm. I'm very thirsty but can barely keep even water down. Some dizziness and sweating, comes and goes. Not sure it was something I ate since the last full meal was at lunch yesterday. Maybe a stomach virus I caught from a co-worker. Does this thing tend to pass or what should I watch for that it is getting worse? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you've been so sick.
In the U.S., the community gastrointestinal viruses and bacterial food illnesses that we get tend to pass without needing to treat the causative agents.
That said, we can still get dehydrated and electrolyte imbalances from having excessive diarrhea and vomiting.
If you are not able to keep up with drinking fluids (water and sports drinks), then it would be good for you to go in to an ER where they can test you for potassium and give you an IV. They can also give you medicine to help shut your symptoms down, as sometimes that is needed.
Things to watch for are extreme thirst, decreased urination, and (later) confusion.
So since you say you are "very thirsty" but can't keep much water down, it may be wise to go in for help now. I have had experience with patients where just giving them an IV which allows for rest of their gastrointestinal tract, allows the process to stop.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Some information:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry you've been so sick.
In the U.S., the community gastrointestinal viruses and bacterial food illnesses that we get tend to pass without needing to treat the causative agents.
That said, we can still get dehydrated and electrolyte imbalances from having excessive diarrhea and vomiting.
If you are not able to keep up with drinking fluids (water and sports drinks), then it would be good for you to go in to an ER where they can test you for potassium and give you an IV. They can also give you medicine to help shut your symptoms down, as sometimes that is needed.
Things to watch for are extreme thirst, decreased urination, and (later) confusion.
So since you say you are "very thirsty" but can't keep much water down, it may be wise to go in for help now. I have had experience with patients where just giving them an IV which allows for rest of their gastrointestinal tract, allows the process to stop.
I hope you are feeling better soon!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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