How do tummy bugs spread

How do people get viral gastroenteritis? Can I catch viral gastroenteritis from someone? How can I protect myself and my family from getting sick with viral gastroenteritis? What are the signs of viral gastroenteritis? Is there a cure for viral gastroenteritis? Web Links SF Dept.

But what about gastro? Most commonly this happens because you touch a surface or a person contaminated with this virus and then touch your mouth. It can spread rapidly in childcare centres because kids often play very physically, and they might not understand proper physical distancing and handwashing in the way adults do. Read more: Cruise ships can be floating petri dishes of gastro bugs.

It can take between 12 and 72 hours to develop symptoms after coming into contact with norovirus. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, and nausea. You don't usually need to see your GP if you think your child has gastroenteritis, as it should get better on its own, and taking them to a GP surgery can put others at risk. Your GP may suggest sending off a sample of your child's poo to a laboratory to confirm what's causing their symptoms.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if this shows they have a bacterial infection. You can catch the infection if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth, such as through:. A person with gastroenteritis is most infectious from when their symptoms start until 48 hours after all their symptoms have passed, although they may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.

It's not always possible to avoid getting gastroenteritis, but following the advice below can help stop it spreading:. 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. Home Illnesses and conditions Stomach, liver and gastrointestinal tract Gastroenteritis. About gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children. This page covers: Symptoms of gastroenteritis What to do if you have gastroenteritis When to get medical advice Looking after a child with gastroenteritis Getting medical advice for your child How gastroenteritis is spread Preventing gastroenteritis Symptoms of gastroenteritis The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are: sudden, watery diarrhoea feeling sick vomiting, which can be projectile a mild fever Some people also have other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, an upset stomach , aching limbs and headaches.

What to do if you have gastroenteritis If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is stay at home until you're feeling better.

To help ease your symptoms: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration — You need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup. Take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains. Get plenty of rest. If you feel like eating, try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread. Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration , such as a dry mouth or dark urine — read about treating dehydration.

You can also ask your pharmacist or GP for advice about whether they're suitable. When to get medical advice You don't normally need to see your GP if you think you have gastroenteritis, as it should get better on its own. Get medical advice if: you have symptoms of severe dehydration , such as persistent dizziness , only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, or if you're losing consciousness you have bloody diarrhoea you're vomiting constantly and are unable to keep down any fluids you have a fever over 38C This is when you're most infectious.

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to Check with the GP surgery before going in.