Do not let suffer due to viruses

Gastroenteritis is caused by a variety of pathogens.  Recently, the calici virus, having successfully withstood environmental effects, is the culprit that wreaks havoc in the host’s body even when still few in numbers.  We asked Judit Tóth-Domán, MD, internist and family doctor regarding the symptoms, preventive measures and the treatment of gastroenteritis.

What diseases are caused by the calici virus?

Currently, the calici virus has been responsible for 30 to 40 percent of gastrointestinal diseases and 75 to 89 percent of gastroenteritis epidemics.  The reason for this is that, since the symptoms are mild and of short duration, most of the victims do not seek medical help in time, causing the disorder to be diagnosed only after the virus infection reached epidemic proportions.                                                                              

 

How is the calici virus spread?

The virus is spread through the infected victim’s feces and vomit.  The pathogen is spread through food and water contaminated with fecal matter and the air contaminated with the victim’s vomit.  It is important to note that the virus may be present in the feces well before the appearance of clinical symptoms and remain for 1 to 3 days, or longer, even after recovery.

 

What are the symptoms?

Typically, the calici virus has a short incubation period of 24 to 36 hours.  The main clinical symptoms area general feelings of malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.  The latter may even be 4 to 8 bowel movements per day with no blood and no mucous.  Typically, these are accompanied by stomach pain, elevated temperature and fever in the evenings and, possibly, include headaches and muscle pain. 

 

What is the treatment for calici virus?

No symptomatic, antibiotic or diarrhea preparations are recommended.  First of all, a proper diet and plenty of fluid intake is essential for supplying the body’s fluid and salt needs.  At the outset, a small amount of fluid (water, unsweetened or slightly sweetened cold tea) at 10 to 20 minute intervals or, perhaps, sucking a few ice cubes and later cold, strained fruit and vegetable (carrots) juices could be attempted.  If there is no vomiting or diarrhea, a few bites of easily digestible foods such as crackers, toast, cooked salted potatoes or rice may be tried.  The amount of food may be gradually increased and, after a few days of dieting, we may return to our regular diet, preferably consisting of cooked or steamed foods and no fats. 

 

How much time does recovery take?

The illness is usually of short duration with the patients recovering in 1 to 3 days.  Complications are rare, however, due to the quick salt and fluid loss, children, the elderly and those with a low immune system are considered to be an endangered group.

 

Who are most at risk?

Every age group is in danger of infection.  Formerly, infections were spread easier in the winter months while, today, the seasonal aspect has fallen back and now anyone may catch the infection anywhere, anytime.  Epidemics usually occur in closed communities, such as families, children’s institutions and health care establishments.    

 

How can the disorder be prevented?

The most important factor in preventing the spread of the infection is following the rules of hygiene, i.e., regular and thorough washing of hands, disinfection of items infected with fecal matter and vomit.  Stay at home until all symptoms have disappeared.  Your doctor should be notified in every case!

Since the virus mutates very fast and often, constantly changing its antigen structure, the body is unable to develop a long-term protection.  This is also the reason why no vaccine has been developed.

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