Infants and young children are most likely to develop symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, and upset stomach.
Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are also at risk.
Symptoms of Astrovirus Infection
Astroviruses are one of several transmittable organisms that cause gastroenteritis.
Verywell / JR Bee
The main symptom is diarrhea.
Compared to other organisms that cause gastroenteritis, diarrhea brought on by astrovirus is usually mild.
Hospitalization is rarely needed.
Healthy people generally recover within a few days.
Despite having no symptoms, they can stillpass the virus to others.
How Do You Get Astrovirus?
Astrovirus is passed when stool containing the virus is accidentally ingested.
This is usually caused when traces of stool are found on hands or objects.
It only takes a small exposure to astrovirus to make a person sick.
Once a person is infected, the virus will continually be shed into fecal matter (stools).
How Long Is Astrovirus Contagious?
Most astrovirus infections last for four days or less.
The disease is potentially infectious from the moment symptoms appear until a few days after symptoms have cleared.
Climate
Astroviruses are present year-round and can cause illness at any time of the year.
With that said, astrovirus tends to spike in certain seasons.
Where climates are temperate, infections are common in the autumn and early winter months.
In tropical climates, astrovirus rates are highest during the rainy season.
AgeBabies, children under 2, and older adults are at increased risk for astrovirus.
They are also most likely to experience complications likedehydration.
Most children will develop immunity to astrovirus by the time they reach 10.
This is why astrovirus doesn’t usually make most adults sick.
However, immunity tends to wane over time, which is why older age is a risk factor.
The tests may include:
The test results are usually ready in one to three days.
A positive result means that you have been infected with astrovirus.
A negative result means that you have not been infected.
Viral gastroenteritis can be brought on by several different microorganisms.
They include:
Astrovirus gets its name from its star-like appearance when viewed under a microscope.
How Do You Treat Astrovirus?
Currently, there are no drugs or vaccines available for the prevention or treatment of viral gastroenteritis.
As such, the treatment for an astrovirus infection is focused on managing symptoms like nausea and diarrhea.
You may have a bacterial or parasitic infection, not a virus.
These drugs can be harmful to babies and toddlers.
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