Gastroenteritis

WHAT IS GASTROENTERITIS?
Gastroenteritis (often called ‘gastro’) is a common infection of
Bacterial gastroenteritis is spread through poor hygiene
the bowel that can cause diarrhoea (runny faeces or poo),
(especially not washing your hands after going to the toilet or
vomiting, or both.
after cleaning vomit or dirty nappies), spoiled food, polluted
Gastroenteritis can cause dehydration (loss of water), which water supplies and handling pets and animals.
sometimes results in a loss of sugar and salts that the body
needs to work normally. WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Gastroenteritis often settles without treatment. It is more Gastroenteritis may cause some or all of the following
common in winter and affects people of all ages. symptoms:

nausea and vomiting that may last a day or two
WHAT CAUSES GASTROENTERITIS?

diarrhoea, which usually lasts one to three days but can last
Viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis. There are up to 10 days
many kinds of viruses, so gastroenteritis can occur more than 
stomach cramps and pain
once.

fever.
Viruses that cause gastroenteritis are found in human faeces.
Symptoms of more severe gastroenteritis include failing to
Bacteria and parasites can also cause gastroenteritis and are keep down any fluids, not passing much urine and feeling faint
usually found in contaminated food or water (food poisoning). while standing up. If you have any of these symptoms you
Food poisoning usually occurs six to 12 hours after eating should seek urgent medical care.
spoiled food.
Diarrhoea that is black is not gastroenteritis – it can indicate
HOW IS IT SPREAD? bleeding in the stomach or bowel and requires urgent medical
treatment.
Viral gastroenteritis is spread easily from person to person.
When a person vomits or has diarrhoea, small droplets Vomiting and diarrhoea can also be symptoms of other
containing the virus can contaminate surfaces such as taps, important illnesses. If you are concerned, see your doctor.
toilet flush handles, children’s toys and nappies. People with
gastroenteritis can spread the virus up to 48 hours after their
symptoms have stopped.
TREATMENT 
Wash your hands well (for at least 10 seconds) with warm
soapy water after using the toilet, changing nappies,
Gastroenteritis is often mild and treatment will depend on the
cleaning up vomit and before eating or cooking meals.
type.

Handle, store and prepare raw and cooked foods apart.

It is important to stay hydrated. Small amounts of fluid Cook all raw foods well.
(sips) often are usually better tolerated, especially by 
People who have gastroenteritis should not prepare or
people who are feeling sick. Solutions such as Gastrolyte or handle food for others.
Hydralyte help replace the water and salts lost by vomiting 
Stay at home and away from others while you are unwell.
and diarrhoea. Follow the instructions on the packet. Fluids
like fruit juice and flat lemonade can be helpful if dilute

Clean bathrooms and toilets often.
with water (one part juice/lemonade and four parts water). 
Take care when handling animals and their faeces or urine.

Your doctor may advise taking a medication to stop the 
If you think the source of your illness may have been food,
diarrhoea (Imodium, Lomotil). Follow the instructions on report it to your local council’s health department right
the packet. These medications are not suitable for children. away. Keep any leftover food for testing.

Anti-nausea medication may be prescribed for nausea and 
Return to school or work – guidelines vary between
vomiting. It is okay to eat if you are hungry. schools and workplaces. Hospital, healthcare and food

Antibiotics are only needed if the gastroenteritis is caused handling staff should not return to work until 48 hours after
by bacteria or parasites. A sample of your diarrhoea may be the diarrhoea has settled. Check with your school/work
tested for this. about their requirements.

Some people may need intravenous (into the vein) fluids if
they are very dehydrated. Seeking help
In a medical emergency call an ambulance – dial triple
HOME CARE
zero (000).

Drink small amounts (sips) of clear fluids such as water
See your local doctor or healthcare professional if you
often (every five to 10 minutes). The fluids will not stop
have:
the vomiting and diarrhoea but will stop you getting
dehydrated. • stomach pain that is getting worse

Eat if you feel hungry. Start with bland foods such as • frequent vomiting or diarrhoea or both
crackers, rice, bananas or dry toast. You should be back on
• blood or mucus in your faeces (diarrhoea) or ‘black’
normal fluids and diet in 48–72 hours, even if diarrhoea
diarrhoea
continues.
• passed little or no urine

Get plenty of rest.

You should return to your doctor or hospital if you are • are unable to keep down fluids
unable to keep down enough fluids, feel dizzy when • feel dizzy or faint on standing
moving from sitting to standing, have pain that is not
• you develop other symptoms that concern you.
controlled by simple medications such as paracetamol,
develop other symptoms, have a significant worsening of For health advice from a registered nurse you can call
symptoms or your symptoms do not settle down in 24–48 NURSE-ON-CALL 24 hours a day on 1300 60 60 24
hours. for the cost of a local call from anywhere in Victoria.*
NURSE-ON-CALL provides access to interpreting
STOPPING THE SPREAD OF services for callers not confident with English.
GASTROENTERITIS
* Calls from mobiles may be charged at a higher rate.
There are many ways to reduce the spread of gastroenteritis.

Do not share your towels, face washer, toothbrush, drinks
or cutlery with others.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?

Ask your local doctor or healthcare professional.

Visit the Better Health Channel at
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.

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