Katie Johnson, a 15 year old female, is brought to the Emergency Room by her mother because of abdominal cramping and vomiting. Upon triage, you observe that Katie is very weak and a little confused with what is going on. She asks you if she can have a cup of water because she is really thirsty. Her mother tells you that she was fine this time yesterday, but feels that her daughter has taken a turn for the worse. A urinalysis is completed, and comes back showing a high level of ketones.

It is likely that the patient has Viral Gastroenteritis, or the stomach virus. The main symptoms are Abdominal pain and cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, and weakness. Symptoms can begin 1 to 2 days after infection. There is about 26 million cases or this that occur each year just in the U. S. Viral Gastroenteritis is is the inflammation, a condition where part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, of the stomach and intestines caused by virus. The sickness can be spread from contact with the person, touching a contaminated, infected, object, or drinking, or eating, from a contaminated drink or food. Treatments include drinking clear fluids, such as electrolyte drinks, broths, teas, and water with a pinch of salt, taking pain medications, such as Tylenol, or acetaminophen. If the dehydration is severe IV fluids may be necessary. The most important factor is to get plenty of rest as excessive activity can make the virus worse, as can Dehydration, alcohol, anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, and/or spicy or irritation foods. The best way to prevent this is to wash your hands fully and avoiding contact with people that are infected.