Gastroenteritis – what you need to know

Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, causes diarrhea and vomiting. Find out how to treat it and the best ways to prevent it.

The symptoms of gastroenteritis

When to get emergency medical help

What’s the cause?

Treating gastroenteritis at home

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

How to prevent gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, sometimes called ‘stomach flu’, is a common illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting, but isn’t usually serious. Self-help treatments can help you feel better in a couple of days.

Gastroenteritis is one of the most common conditions worldwide; every year, it causes millions of people to fall ill with vomiting and diarrhea. It’s often caused by a stomach bug such as norovirus or bacterial food poisoning.

Most people develop gastroenteritis by coming into contact with someone who has it, or by consuming contaminated food and water. Symptoms, including stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea, usually start within 4 to 48 hours.

You should be able to treat gastroenteritis at home, without needing to see your doctor. In some cases, for example people who have a weakened immune system, the condition can lead to serious dehydration and other problems.

## The symptoms of gastroenteritis
Although it’s sometimes called ‘stomach flu’, gastroenteritis isn’t caused by flu viruses and it doesn’t trigger flu-like symptoms.

The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea, but you might also experience:

- stomach pain and cramping
- fever
- chills 
- muscle aches 
- headache.

Vomiting usually lasts for a couple of days, and diarrhea should stop within a week.

Gastroenteritis can be easily passed on to other people, so stay off work (or keep your child off school) for 48 hours after you were last sick or had diarrhea. Find more ways to [prevent spreading gastroenteritis](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/gastroenteritis#prevention).


Get help with this

## When to get emergency medical help

You should get emergency medical help if you (or your child):
- start vomiting blood (or it looks like ground coffee, or you have green vomit)
- have a stiff neck and are unable to look at bright light without pain
- may have swallowed something that could be poisonous 
- have a bad headache or stomachache that came on quickly 
- have skin, lips, or tongue that is pale, blue, gray, or looks blotchy – check palms of hands and soles of feet if you have black or brown skin 
- are confused
- are finding it hard to breathe.


## What’s the cause?
Different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, the most common being [norovirus](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/norovirus), which can affect people of all ages.

Norovirus spreads easily between people through contact with an infected person’s poop or vomit. They can spread this virus by not washing their hands after using the bathroom, touching surfaces or objects (norovirus can live for months on surfaces such as countertops or desks, via food preparation, or by touching another person. 

Viruses are not the only culprit. Bacteria, parasites, and chemicals can cause other types of gastroenteritis. 

Food or drinks contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites or chemicals can cause gastroenteritis symptoms, which is known as food poisoning.


## Treating gastroenteritis at home
You can treat gastroenteritis with self-care – the most important thing is to drink enough fluids to replace those lost from vomiting and diarrhea, to avoid dehydration.

Have rehydration sachets to replace lost fluids and electrolytes (salts and minerals) if you are not able to eat anything. 

You can also:
- get plenty of rest
- take acetaminophen (paracetamol) for any aches and pains
- take small sips of water or try sucking on ice chips – drinking too much fluid in one go can cause vomiting
- avoid fruit juice, caffeinated or fizzy drinks – these can make diarrhea worse
- stick to eating plain foods – bananas, toast, plain rice, porridge, broths – until you feel better
- avoid fatty or spicy foods – these can irritate an already sensitive stomach
- take over-the-counter medications if you need to stop diarrhea for a short time – these should not be given to children under 12, or if you have bloody diarrhea or fever.


## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed
In most cases, gastroenteritis will clear up by itself, so you don’t need to see a doctor. However, some symptoms, such as vomiting blood, need emergency medical attention.

If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, speak to a doctor:
- signs of [dehydration](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/dehydration) (dark pee or not able to pee, feeling very thirsty, dizziness or confusion, mottled skin, and weakness)
- vomiting and can’t keep any fluids down
- bloody diarrhea or bleeding from your bottom
- keep being sick and cannot keep any fluids down
- are vomiting for more than 2 days or diarrhea lasts longer than 7 days.

Also seek medical advice if you’re worried about your baby under 12 months; your child won’t breast or bottle feed while sick, your child under 5 has dehydration signs like less wet nappies.

Your doctor may send off a sample of your poop for testing. If your symptoms are caused by a bacterial infection, you may then be given antibiotics. If you are severely dehydrated, you may need IV in your arm to replace fluids.


## How to prevent gastroenteritis
You take steps to avoid picking up gastroenteritis, including:

- washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after going to the toilet
- always follow good hygiene rules – cook food thoroughly, refrigerate it properly, and keep cooked and raw meats separate
- drink only bottled water or soft drinks when traveling in countries with poor sanitation
- avoid ice cubes in these countries – these could be made with contaminated water – and raw fruit and vegetables you have not prepared yourself.

You won’t be able to prevent every case of gastroenteritis, but knowing how to treat it can help you get back to feeling yourself in just a few days. 

### How to avoid spreading gastroenteritis
The condition can be spread by an infected person even before or after they have symptoms. So take care to:

- wash your hands frequently with soap and water 
- clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, and door handles every day
- practice good hygiene before preparing food or drinks for other people 
- wash contaminated sheets, towels, or clothes separately on a hot wash
- use disinfectant to wipe down any surface that could be contaminated
- don’t share towels, cutlery, or utensils with others
- don’t go swimming for at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.


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References

Roz Ryan

Fiona Bugler

Dr Emily Blount

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