Abhishek Sharma’s Stomach Infection Explained: Understanding Acute Gastroenteritis

India’s

star batter Abhishek Sharma has been hospitalised due to a stomach infection and could miss the T20 World Cup encounter against Namibia, according to news reports. It is being claimed that he was unwell even before the previous game against the USA, and his condition worsened after playing the match. The 25-year-old left-hander was reportedly running a high temperature and was administered drips for immediate relief. While more details about his condition are awaited, doctors say such cases are often linked to acute gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach bug. Here’s what that means, and why it happens.

What is acute gastroenteritis?

Acute gastroenteritis happens due to a sudden inflammation of the stomach and intestines - commonly called the stomach flu. It usually happens due to viruses or bacteria in contaminated food or water and typically resolves in a few days with rest and fluids, but severe cases need medical attention, especially for the very young, elderly, or immunocompromised. It usually causes symptoms like:

• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dehydration

The condition can affect anyone and is one of the most common reasons for short-term hospitalisation due to dehydration, especially among athletes, children, and older adults.

What are the reasons behind stomach infection?

Acute gastroenteritis is usually caused by:

Viral infections

Viruses like norovirus and rotavirus are the most common culprits. Norovirus, in particular, spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

Bacterial infections

Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter can cause food poisoning, leading to severe stomach infection symptoms.

Contaminated food and water

Improperly cooked food, unclean water, or unhygienic handling practices increase infection risk.

Close contact transmission

Team environments, travel, shared facilities, and crowded spaces can accelerate the spread. For athletes like Abhishek Sharma, frequent travel, diet changes, and exposure to different environments can sometimes increase vulnerability.Also read: Dead Crows Found in Tamil Nadu Town Spark H5N1 Bird Flu Threat; Officials Say No Human Health Risk

Can it become serious?

Most cases of acute gastroenteritis resolve within a few days or, at most, a week. However, the real danger lies in dehydration, which happens when you are continuously vomiting and due to diarrhoea, or when both occur simultaneously. Doctors say your body loses fluids and electrolytes rapidly. A few warning signs of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth
• Reduced urination
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Rapid heartbeat

In severe cases, hospital admission for intravenous (IV) fluids may be required.

How can you treat and prevent gastroenteritis?

While there is no specific “cure” for most viral stomach infections, the treatment usually focuses on Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), IV fluids in moderate-to-severe cases, rest, a light and bland diet – also known as the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, and avoiding dairy, spicy, and oily foods. Doctors mostly prescribe antibiotics only if a bacterial infection is confirmed. A few prevention strategies include:

• Regular handwashing
• Drinking clean, filtered water
• Avoiding raw or undercooked food
• Maintaining proper food hygiene
• Sanitising shared surfaces

For sports teams and travellers, hygiene protocols are especially important to prevent outbreaks.