This is a difficult question to answer. Some gastrointestinal (GI) infections are more serious than others, but they’re also very common among Americans—more than 20 million Americans experience GI infections each year.

So, what exactly are GI infections? Our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team shares some helpful info below, so keep reading!

What Are GI Infections?

Gastrointestinal infections are infections of the GI tract that can be caused by a number of bacteria, viruses and parasites. The infection and its symptoms usually go away in a few days, although they can last up to two weeks in certain situations.

Abdominal pain, followed by diarrhea, are telltale indicators of GI illnesses. These are the most prevalent symptoms, but they aren’t the only ones; we’ve included a list of additional GI illness symptoms below.

Gastrointestinal Infection Symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Dehydration
• Headache
• Mucus or blood in the stool
• Weight loss

How Concerned Should I Be If I Have a GI Infection?

It really depends on your symptoms. Not all GI infections are the same, but most of them are caused by viruses, which means that you are most likely contagious if you are infected.

If you experience the before-mentioned symptoms, it’s important to drink lots of water and to take over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid or that treat nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Visit our AFC center quickly if you develop the symptoms that we’ve listed below, as they can be signs of more serious GI infections.

Signs That Medical Attention Is Needed

• Severe pain in the abdomen
• A high fever
• Diarrhea that lasts longer than two days
• Black or tarry stools
• Six or more loose stools per day
• Frequent vomiting
• Changes in mental state

We’re here for you now and always! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Greenwood team today to get the quality non-emergency care that you need.