Duration of a gastrointestinal infection
A gastrointestinal infection usually subsides relatively quickly. How long it actually lasts depends on the pathogen and the age and condition of the patient. In general, however, it can be said that the disease lasts between two and six days.
At the latest if the illness lasts longer than six days, one should consult one’s family doctor. An infection with noroviruses usually lasts for one to three days, although a feeling of exhaustion and illness can last even longer. In the case of a rotavirus infection, the two to six days indicated apply.
How long a gastrointestinal infection lasts in detail depends on the cause of the infection. An uncomplicated gastrointestinal infection caused by a norovirus lasts in most cases about 12 to 48 hours. This gastro-intestinal infection occurs more frequently in the cold season.
By contrast, an infection with rotavirus often takes 2 to 6 days until the symptoms subside. It is particularly often detected in children and is often accompanied by other complaints such as fever and difficult breathing. This rough classification often makes it possible to distinguish between the two.
These two viruses are responsible for the majority of gastrointestinal infections. This means that most infections of this type are healed within a few hours to a maximum of one week. If the symptoms last longer or if new symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted (again).
What do I need to consider for my baby?
If there is a gastrointestinal infection during pregnancy, no risk of infection for the child must be assumed. However, special care must be taken to ensure that the pregnant woman is supplied with sufficient water. If no adequate supply is possible due to the permanent complaints, an inpatient treatment should be considered.
There, a therapy with fluid and medication can be achieved via the vein in an emergency. Especially during pregnancy, it is important to ensure that the child and the mother are supplied with sufficient minerals, which can easily become unbalanced due to frequent vomiting and diarrhoea. However, if the pregnant woman is still well enough to be self-sufficient with sufficient water, the gastrointestinal infection can and should be cured at home.
Of course, an ill mother should continue to breastfeed her child, if she is able to do so. The gastro-intestinal viruses are not passed on to the infant through the mother’s milk, but the child receives valuable antibodies and other defence-promoting substances through the milk. Therefore, continue breastfeeding your baby even during a gastrointestinal infection.
During this time, the sick mother, like the rest of the family, should pay special attention to hygiene. As a mother, it is also advisable during this time not to kiss the baby on the face. Viruses could be transmitted to the child.
