Can a Stool Test Be Negative for Stomach Virus
Viral gastroenteritis (breadbasket influenza)
Rotavirus infection - gastroenteritis; Norwalk virus; Gastroenteritis - viral; Tum flu; Diarrhea - viral; Loose stools - viral; Upset tum - viral
Viral gastroenteritis is present when a virus causes an infection of the stomach and intestine. The infection tin pb to diarrhea and airsickness. Information technology is sometimes called the "tum influenza."
Causes
Gastroenteritis tin affect ane person or a group of people who all ate the same food or drank the same h2o. The germs may become into your organisation in many ways:
- Straight from food or h2o
- Past way of objects such equally plates and eating utensils
- Passed from person to person past mode of close contact
Many types of viruses tin can cause gastroenteritis. The well-nigh common viruses are:
- Norovirus (Norwalk-like virus) is common among school-age children. It may also cause outbreaks in hospitals and on cruise ships.
- Rotavirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children. It can as well infect adults who are exposed to children with the virus and people living in nursing homes.
- Astrovirus.
- Enteric adenovirus.
- COVID-nineteen may cause stomach influenza symptoms, fifty-fifty when breathing issues are not present.
People with the highest risk for a severe infection include immature children, older adults, and people who have a suppressed immune system.
Symptoms
Symptoms well-nigh ofttimes announced within iv to 48 hours after contact with the virus. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and airsickness
Other symptoms may include:
- Chills, clammy skin, or sweating
- Fever
- Articulation stiffness or muscle pain
- Poor feeding
- Weight loss
Exams and Tests
The health care provider volition look for signs of dehydration, including:
- Dry or gluey oral fissure
- Lethargy or blackout (severe dehydration)
- Low blood pressure
- Low or no urine output, full-bodied urine that looks dark yellow
- Sunken soft spots (fontanelles) on the pinnacle of an babe's head
- No tears
- Sunken eyes
Tests of stool samples may exist used to identify the virus that is causing the sickness. Nigh of the time, this test is non needed. A stool civilisation may be done to find out if the problem is existence caused by bacteria.
Handling
The goal of treatment is to make certain the trunk has plenty water and fluids. Fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) that are lost through diarrhea or vomiting must exist replaced past drinking extra fluids. Fifty-fifty if y'all are able to eat, you lot should all the same drink extra fluids between meals.
- Older children and adults tin can beverage sports beverages such as Gatorade, but these should non be used for younger children. Instead, utilize the electrolyte and fluid replacement solutions or freezer pops bachelor in food and drug stores.
- Exercise Non utilise fruit juice (including apple tree juice), sodas or cola (flat or bubbly), Jell-O, or broth. These liquids practise not replace lost minerals and can make diarrhea worse.
- Drink small-scale amounts of fluid (2 to 4 oz. or 60 to 120 mL) every 30 to 60 minutes. Practise not endeavor to force down big amounts of fluid at one fourth dimension, which tin can cause vomiting. Use a teaspoon (v milliliters) or syringe for an babe or pocket-size child.
- Babies can go along to drink breast milk or formula along with extra fluids. You do Not demand to switch to a soy formula.
Try eating small amounts of food frequently. Foods to effort include:
- Cereals, staff of life, potatoes, lean meats
- Plain yogurt, bananas, fresh apples
- Vegetables
If you have diarrhea and are unable to beverage or keep downwardly fluids considering of nausea or vomiting, yous may need fluids through a vein (Four). Infants and young children are more likely to need Four fluids.
Parents should closely monitor the number of wet diapers an infant or immature child has. Fewer wet diapers is a sign that the infant needs more fluids.
People taking water pills (diuretics) who develop diarrhea may be told by their provider to stop taking them until symptoms better. However, Practice NOT stop taking any prescription medicine without first talking to your provider.
Antibiotics do not work for viruses.
You can buy medicines at the drugstore that can help stop or slow diarrhea.
- Do non employ these medicines without talking to your provider if y'all have bloody diarrhea, a fever, or if the diarrhea is severe.
- Practise not give these medicines to children.
Outlook (Prognosis)
For most people, the illness goes away in a few days without treatment.
Possible Complications
Astringent dehydration can occur in infants and immature children.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if diarrhea lasts for more than than several days or if dehydration occurs. Y'all should besides contact your provider if yous or your child has these symptoms:
- Claret in the stool
- Defoliation
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Feeling faint
- Nausea
- No tears when crying
- No urine for eight hours or more
- Sunken appearance to the eyes
- Sunken soft spot on an infant's caput (fontanelle)
Contact your provider right away if you or your child likewise take respiratory symptoms, fever or possible exposure to COVID-19.
Prevention
Nearly viruses and leaner are passed from person to person by unwashed hands. The all-time way to forestall stomach flu is to handle nutrient properly and wash your easily thoroughly afterward using the toilet.
Be sure to observe home isolation and fifty-fifty self-quarantine if COVID-xix is suspected.
A vaccine to foreclose rotavirus infection is recommended for infants starting at age 2 months.
References
Bass DM. Rotaviruses, caliciviruses, and astroviruses. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 292.
DuPont HL, Okhuysen PC. Approach to the patient with suspected enteric infection. In: Goldman Fifty, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 267.
Kotloff KL. Acute gastroenteritis in children. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 366.
Melia JMP, Sears CL. Infectious enteritis and proctocolitis. In: Feldman Grand, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran'south Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 110.
Version Info
Concluding reviewed on: four/30/2020
Reviewed by: Bradley J. Winston, MD, board certified in gastroenterology and hepatology, Washington, DC. As well reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Manager, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Source: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis-stomach-flu
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