Gastroenteritis in the community

Gastroenteritis in the community

For community members

Gastroenteritis (Gastro)

Gastroenteritis (often called 'gastro') is an illness that affects your stomach and bowel. It can cause nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and sometimes fever. It usually lasts only a few days but is highly contagious and can quickly spread from person to person, both at home and in the community. Gastro can be serious in babies, young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. 

Gastro can be caused by many things, including: 

  • Viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus) 
  • Bacteria from dirty food or water (like salmonella or campylobacter) 
  • Sometimes parasites (like giardia or cryptosporidium) 
Symptoms 

Common signs of gastro include: 

  • Not feeling hungry 
  • Nausea (feeling sick) 
  • Vomiting  
  • Stomach cramps or pain 
  • Diarrhoea (runny poo) 
  • Blood in poo – sometimes 
  • Feeling unwell, tired and achy 
  • Fever 

Most people get better in a few days. The main concern when someone has gastro is becoming dehydrated. This can be more serious for babies, young children and older adults. If you have symptoms of gastro it is important you drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. 

See a doctor if: 
  • Your symptoms are severe or last more than a few days 
  • Signs of dehydration appear (very thirsty, dizzy, not urinating much) 
  • You're worried about a baby, young child, or older adult 
Looking After Yourself 

If you have or are recovering from gastro ensure you: 

  • Drink plenty of fluids to replace what you've lost. Try taking small amounts of fluid, often, if you or your child are vomiting or feeling sick.
  • Consider oral rehydration drinks (available from pharmacies), especially for young children or older adults 
  • Rest at home until you've been well for 48 hours 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, and before touching food 
  • Don't prepare food for others while you're sick and for 48 hours after you're better. Preparing food while unwell has been linked to spread of gastro in the home and community
  • Avoid medicine that stops diarrhoea and vomiting, unless prescribed by a health professional.  

How Gastro Spreads and How to Stop It

Gastro is very contagious and can spread through: 

  • Direct contact with someone who is sick (like caring for a sick child) 
  • Touching dirty surfaces like toys, door handles, or kitchen benches that have germs on them 
  • Eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with gastro particles 
To stop gastro spreading at home: 

Hand washing: Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, or handling food. 

Cleaning surfaces: Use household bleach to clean surfaces that might have germs, including kitchen benches, bathroom surfaces, and toys. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the bottle. 

Washing clothes: Wash dirty clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them completely. 

Food safety: Keep raw and cooked foods separate, and make sure food is cooked properly. 

Quick Reference

If you have gastroenteritis ensure you: 

✓ Stay home 48 hours after symptoms stop 
✓ Use bleach-based cleaners only 
✓ Wash hands frequently 
✓ Don't prepare food while sick 
✓ See a doctor if symptoms are severe or you're worried 

  •  The Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit works with local councils to help prevent the spread of gastro and support the community during outbreaks. 
  •  For gastroenteritis outbreak management in aged care and childcare facilities, see our separate page: Bendigo Health Website - Gastroenteritis Outbreaks
 

Further information

For more information on Gastroenteritis or to report an outbreak contact the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit on 1800 959 400 or [email protected]  

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