MDHB News

Gastroenteritis

Personal hygiene is the best way to minimise the spread of gastroenteritis. Hand washing for 20 seconds with soap and warm water, followed by effective drying for 20 seconds is required.

Below is important information about looking after yourself and others if you get sick with gastroenteritis.

If you require further information please phone Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free 24-hour health advice within NZ.

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis are vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pains. The organisms that cause gastroenteritis are highly infectious. Most people recover from gastroenteritis Vomitting Man quickly but it can be serious in some, particularly if they become dehydrated. Children, elderly and people with weak immune systems are more likely to suffer serious illness.

Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible if the ill person:

Is a baby less than six months old
Is not drinking
Is not urinating (‘passing wee’) or passing less urine than usual
Has dry lips and mouth and/or cold hands and feet Is unusually lethargic, drowsy or irritable
Keeps vomiting or passing lots of diarrhoea
Has blood or mucus in their faeces (poo)
Has a high fever
Has unexpected symptoms (eg pain when passing urine, headache, ongoing stomach pains, etc)
Has other health problems
Does not appear to be getting better.

People with mild gastroenteritis can be looked after at home. The main treatment is to keep the sick person drinking plenty of fluids.

Oral rehydration drinks (available from your chemist) are especially formulated to replace lost fluid rapidly. Make up the drink according to manufacturers instructions. Give small amounts frequently. Clear fluids such as fruit juice, cordial or soft drink may be used but must be diluted as they can make the diarrhoea worse. Breast-fed children should be fed on demand or at least every two hours. In between feeds, offer oral rehydration drinks or water. Bottle-fed infants should be given oral rehydration drinks instead of formula for the first 24 hours, and then given normal formula in small but frequent amounts.

Offer easily digested foods (eg bread, plain biscuits, potatoes, rice, noodles, vegetables, plain meats, eggs) as soon as the vomiting stops. Do not stop food for more than 24 hours even if the diarrhoea is continuing.

Gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites can be easily spread from person to person, especially if hygiene is poor, for example if someone who is ill prepares food for others without washing their hands. This is why it is important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing, handling or eating foods.

Extra care must be taken when cleaning up faecal or vomit matter or items contaminated with these materials. Thoroughly clean and disinfect toilet and bathrooms areas after use.