Question 1

my 20month old is been having loose stools up to 5 times per day, dr says is just a virus but shes been like this for 4weeks, a virus last this much?

Accepted Answer

No, but....: ...The important thing is if she is acting normally or sick. If she is not loosing weight, not vomiting, has no fever and is otherwise well, then there are three possibilities:
1. This is her normal stool pattern now.
2. The virus produced a temporary loss of an enzyme needed to digest certain foods. Usually, this is lactose and it can last a couple of months.
3. She has a parasite or bacteria.

Question 2

loose stools last 24 hrs.  no dietary changes and no other symptoms.  is this likely from a minor gastrointestinal virus?

Accepted Answer

Diarrhea: Given what you stated, yes you could have a "24-48 hour" bug.
Have you been in contact with anyone else with similar symptoms?  Eat or drink  anything "new" to you? 
The main thing is to make sure your fluid intake is adequate.
If not better in a day or two call your primary care physician.
If symptoms worsen such as pain or seeing blood in your stool; 
GO to the emergency department.

Question 3

2 kids at creche has swein flu. my son had 2 loose stools last night and not a great appetite. also fatigued. can he take tamiflu just in case he has contracted the virus. creche says he is ok today but i dont want to take a risk?

Accepted Answer

Don't think I would: Although available at that age Tamiflu can also have significant side effects in young kids. These can mimic flu or cause confusion/neurological symptoms. If the kid was intimately exposed to a flu case once a day use for prevention may be wise, but unless it was a close contact it may not be of any benefit. Loose stools are not a symptom of the flu.

Question 4

i've been having loose stools for the past several days can someone tell me if it's a virus or something i ate?

Accepted Answer

Your doc can: Someone can, just not in this forum.  You need to get seen, have a good history taken, and get examined; may need additonal testing, or not.

Question 5

is it possible to have a virus that causes abdo discomfort and 1-2 episodes of loose stools per day? also achy and tired.

Accepted Answer

Enterovirus: Yes. Enterovirus end can cause symptoms like that. They usually last several days to a week. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids. If it isn't improving, or is worsening you may need to see your physician.

Question 6

to clarify i don't have vomiting as symptom just abdo discomfort, loose stools and feeling very fatigued. can this be a virus?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Could be viral gastroenteritis even if there is no vomiting. Start w clear liquid like water, soda that is clear, or sports hydration drinks. Sip, sip, sip. Work up to solids w bland foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, gelatin, or chicken. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, dairy &amp; high fat foods. Rest.

Question 7

i've been told i have virus which consists of stomach ache, tiredness and a few loose stools. do you viruses usually include vomiting?

Accepted Answer

Tes: Viral Gateoenteritis can cause fevers, chills, nausea and vomiting. Usually resolves in its own, keep hydrated.

Question 8

1yr old with 5 days of foul loose stools 4 times/day. today bowel is pale color & gritty like. is this more than virus? ran fever prior

Accepted Answer

Likely infection: If the stools have some color, like pale yellow and a bad odor, it is likely an infection. If the stools are pure white, it could mean another problem. Follow up with your doctor and take in a sample. All the best.

Question 9

i am experiencing  nausea (severity: moderate) with loose stools,exhaustion & light headed. this is on going for two weeks. drs say maybe virus , you opinion?  all my blood work is clean, help! cant stand to feel like this anymore

Accepted Answer

Dizzy nausea: Check thyroid  TSH and T4 also  may be GERD with or without H pylori or gallbladder( sonogram).Check stool for camphylobacter and make sure no UTI or sinusitis. Any abd pain? if RLQ r/o appy .  if recent  tooth extraction check blood cultures for bacteremia /endocarditis ( check procalcitonin) .

Question 10

why do viruses dehydrate you? i am not throwing up or have diarrhea...

Accepted Answer

They don't: They don't. You become dehydrated because you do not hydrate adequately  in the face of fevers, nausea, diarrhea or loss of appetite caused by the virus.

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Doctor answers about:

How long does diarrhea virus last

A member asked:

My 20month old is been having loose stools up to 5 times per day, dr says is just a virus but shes been like this for 4weeks, a virus last this much?

A member asked:

Loose stools last 24 hrs. no dietary changes and no other symptoms. is this likely from a minor gastrointestinal virus?

A member asked:

2 kids at creche has swein flu. my son had 2 loose stools last night and not a great appetite. also fatigued. can he take tamiflu just in case he has contracted the virus. creche says he is ok today but i dont want to take a risk?

A member asked:

I've been having loose stools for the past several days can someone tell me if it's a virus or something i ate?

A member asked:

Is it possible to have a virus that causes abdo discomfort and 1-2 episodes of loose stools per day? also achy and tired.

A member asked:

To clarify i don't have vomiting as symptom just abdo discomfort, loose stools and feeling very fatigued. can this be a virus?

A member asked:

I've been told i have virus which consists of stomach ache, tiredness and a few loose stools. do you viruses usually include vomiting?

A member asked:

1yr old with 5 days of foul loose stools 4 times/day. today bowel is pale color & gritty like. is this more than virus? ran fever prior

A member asked:

I am experiencing nausea (severity: moderate) with loose stools,exhaustion & light headed. this is on going for two weeks. drs say maybe virus , you opinion? all my blood work is clean, help! cant stand to feel like this anymore

A member asked:

Why do viruses dehydrate you? i am not throwing up or have diarrhea...

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