How to Diagnose Viral Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is a stomach flu caused by several different viruses. It can affect anyone, is usually not a serious condition and goes away in a fairly short time. It is, however, highly contagious and is the second most common illness in the United States.

Instructions

• 1

  Look for symptoms including watery diarrhea, frequent vomiting, headache, chills, fever and abdominal pain. The symptoms usually appear within a rather short amount of time (4 to 48 hours) after the virus has been acquired.

• 2

  Wait for a few hours to see if symptoms continue or if they pass quickly. If they pass within a few hours, then it is probably not viral gastroenteritis. The symptoms of viral gastroenteritis are usually fairly constant.

• 3

  Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. Tell the doctor as much as possible about the symptoms you have been experiencing.

• 4

  Utilize whatever treatment your doctor prescribes. Treatments are usually rather simple.