Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.

It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children.

Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus.

Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week.

SYMPTOMS OF GASTROENTERITIS

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

1- Watery Stool.
2- feeling weak.
3- Vomiting.
4- Fever.
5- loss of appetite.
6- Stomach upset.
7- Aching limbs and headaches.

The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected.

They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.

PREVENTING FOOD POISON

It’s not always possible to avoid getting gastroenteritis, but following the advice below can help stop it spreading:

1- Stay off work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed. You or your child should also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.

2- Ensure you and your family wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food. Don’t rely on alcohol hand gels, as they’re not always effective.

3- Disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated. It’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner.

4- Wash contaminated items of clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash.

5-Don’t share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils while you or your child is ill.

6- Flush away any poo or vomit in the toilet or potty and clean the surrounding area.

7- Practice good food hygiene. Make sure food is properly refrigerated, always cook your food thoroughly, and never eat food that is past its use-by date – read more about preventing food poisoning.

8- Take extra care when travelling to parts of the world with poor sanitation, as you could pick up a stomach bug. For example, you may need to boil tap water before drinking it.

Dr. Adeniyi. A
CEO
24Hrs.eDOCTOR.care