Who is at risk for viral gastroenteritis?
Viral gastroenteritis can occur in people of all ages and backgrounds. However, some viruses tend to cause diarrheal disease primarily among people in specific age groups. Rotavirus infection is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children. Rotaviruses affect nearly every child by the time he or she reaches 4 years of age. Adenoviruses and astroviruses cause diarrhea mostly in young children but older children and adults can also be infected. Caliciviruses and Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses are more likely to cause diarrhea in older children and adults than in younger children. Adults who are particularly at risk include the elderly and those who have problems with their immune system, such as organ transplant recipients, those with severe medical illnesses, or those taking medications that suppress their immune system. Is viral gastroenteritis a serious illness? People who are affected by viral gastroenteritis almost always recover completely without any long-term
