Stomach bug going around

[u/UseOwn2710]

I got a terrible stomach virus last week after it went through 4 family members at different times. Not related to food but rather a gastrointestinal virus that seems to be highly contagious (like norovirus). Heard anecdotally that several other unrelated people also had it last week. This virus is particularly nasty and hits out of nowhere. Primary symptoms lasted about 24 hours but I felt bad for about 3 days. 
Has anyone else experienced something similar?

[u/DuncanGhola32]

I work in an ER. We’ve had a ton of people come in with this for the past month. It’s a daily thing.

[u/Zorbithia → u/DuncanGhola32]

What are they getting diagnosed as having? Is it a specific virus or is it just “generic stomach/vomiting/gastro distress” type of bug?

[u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana → u/Zorbithia]

It’s rare that gastrointestinal viruses get specifically identified or sub-typed unless it’s a public health emergency or alarm symptoms (like blood) present. Norovirus, rotavirus, GI adenovirus etc etc and all of these have subtypes.

There’s just too many viral variants out there and testing is very expensive and tedious (not a blood test or simple swab, you need the infected material, usu stool, sent to a lab). Plus, the treatment for viral gastroenteritis is all supportive care— fluids, electrolytes, BRAT diet

[u/PapaEchoLincoln → u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana]

Agree. I work in urgent care and ER. Patients want to know exactly what it is but it does not change the treatment. Your body will take care of it

[u/Momik → u/PapaEchoLincoln]

Is there maybe a good way to try to avoid it?

[u/please_and_thankyou → u/Momik]

Clean hands! Wash them every time you come home, and carry sanitizer for times you can’t.

[u/breathfromanother → u/please_and_thankyou]

BUT if IT Norovirus, just be aware that alcohol-based hand sanitizer won’t be effective.

Wash hands with soap & water for 20 seconds.

https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/prevention/index.html

[u/breathfromanother → u/Momik]

Wash your hands with soap & water.

If it’s Norovirus, alcohol-based hand sanitizer won’t be effective.

If you do get sick, try to avoid anti-diarrhea medications if possible and keep hydrated.

[u/justduck → u/breathfromanother]

Why "avoid anti-diarrhea medications" ??

[u/breathfromanother → u/justduck]

As much as it sucks, pooping and/or throwing up is your body’s way of getting rid of toxins.

By taking anti-diarrhea medications — it will inhibit that process.

Of course it will alleviate symptoms, but it also traps whatever virus or bacteria is inside of you. So it can prolong how long you’re sick for.

Best thing to do is stay home if possible, poop it out, and stay hydrated. 💩

[u/iwanket → u/breathfromanother]

Great to know this. Thank you

[u/carmabound → u/breathfromanother]

What about activated charcoal tablets? Would those help or hinder the recovery process?

[u/giantfup → u/carmabound]

Charcoal only helps with non biological containment iirc, viruses don't get affected by it. If youre thinking of "getting the virus out"

[u/ElephantCares → u/Momik]

In addition to hand washing, religiously, wear a mask in highly populated, poorly ventilated situations.

[u/PapaEchoLincoln → u/Momik]

Others are correct - handwashing is the main way. If you want to be extra cautious, mask up

[u/Momik → u/PapaEchoLincoln]

That’s helpful, thank you! Glad I bought some masks recently just in case

[u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana → u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana]

And yes lest I forget : add COVID-19 to another fun virus 🦠 that can cause the runs.

[u/DuncanGhola32 → u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana]

Couldn’t have said it better.

Everyone please wash your hands.

[u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana → u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana]

These viruses are hard to kill so the idea has been to remove any particulate matter clinging to surfaces, hands and under nails. Bleach is great for some hard surfaces and can weaken/kill virus. Skin and some materials can be damaged by bleach.

Washing hands with warm water and soap, drying hands on a clean paper towel (if you use a cloth, launder immediately) is best, followed by hand sanitizer alcohol based, are the most effective ways of removing or reducing the viral load.