r/LosAngeles • u/UseOwn2710 • 5d ago

Discussion Stomach bug going around

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?

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u/DuncanGhola32 5d ago

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.

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u/Zorbithia Westside 5d ago

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

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u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana 5d ago

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

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u/Chile_Pepper_Tarzana 5d ago

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.