What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?
- The main symptom is diarrhoea, often with vomiting as well.
- Crampy pains in the abdomen (tummy) are common. Pains may ease for a while each time some diarrhoea is passed.
- High temperatures (fever) and headaches are common.
If vomiting occurs, it usually lasts only a day or so. Diarrhoea often lasts for several days or more and often continues after the vomiting stops. Loose stools (loose faeces) can persist for a week or so before a normal pattern returns. Sometimes the symptoms last longer.
Can gastroenteritis be prevented?
Proper storage, preparation and cooking of food, and good hygiene helps to prevent gastroenteritis. In particular, always wash your hands, and teach children to wash theirs:
- After going to the toilet (and after changing nappies).
- Before touching food. And also, between handling raw meat and food ready to be eaten. (There may be some bacteria on raw meat.)
- After gardening.
- After playing with pets (healthy animals can carry certain harmful bacteria).
If a child has gastroenteritis, the following are also recommended until symptoms go.
- Regularly clean the toilets they use. Also, wipe the flush handle and toilet seat with disinfectant (such as household bleach) after each time they use the toilet.
- Make sure they wash their hands after going to the toilet. Don't share towels and flannels.
- Do not let them help to prepare food for others.
- They should stay off school, nursery, etc, until free of diarrhoea and vomiting for 48 hours.
