Gastroenteritis

Acute illness

‘Gastro’, or the ‘stomach flu’ is a common infection of the stomach and intestines that usually results in vomiting, diarrhoea or both.

It can be caused by several different viruses such as rotavirus (a lot less now since the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine) or norovirus. It can also be caused by bacteria, toxins, parasites and some non-infectious diseases.

What are the symptoms?

Commonly the symptoms are vomiting and watery diarrhoea.
You can also have:

Nausea
Fever
Abdominal pain or cramps (usually relieved by diarrhoea)
Headaches
Muscle aches

Dehydration can follow this.
Symptoms often take 2-3 days to develop and last another 1-2 days. This can be longer though.

How is it diagnosed?

Usually through a medical history and examination. However, if you know other people with similar symptoms and you didn’t eat the same food, then it’s likely to be viral gastro.

In people who have travelled overseas or are getting symptoms longer than expected, we may perform blood or stool tests to see what’s causing it.

What’s the treatment? I want to feel better!

The type of treatment does depend on the cause, but in most cases includes.

Plenty of fluids
Oral rehydration solutions (like hydrolyte or gastrolyte)
Intravenous fluid replacement if dehydration is severe or if there’s excessive vomiting and diarrhoea (we can arrange this at Green Square Health)
Antibiotics or antiparasitics if we suspect there is a bacterial or parasite cause
In severe cases anti-nausea medication to allow rehydration – this will be prescribed by us if needed

How do you prevent it?

In children aged 2 and 4 months, we give them the rotavirus vaccination, and this can help the entire family be protected.

However, if someone already has gastro the following measures should be adopted.

Washing hands thoroughly and often after going to the toilet
Changing nappies
Smoking
Using a handkerchief or tissue
Handling animals
Before preparing food
Before eating
Use disposable paper towels instead of hand cloths
Do not handle raw and cooked foods with the same instruments unless thoroughly washed
Keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment clean
Keep cold food cold (< 5 °C) and hot food hot (> 60 °C)
Make sure food is thoroughly cooked
Clean the toilet and bathroom regularly
Clean baby change tables regularly
When travelling overseas and sanitation is suspected, only drink bottled water. Use this to brush your teeth, and avoid buffets, uncooked foods or peeled fruits, or ice in drinks.

I’m sick, what do I do?

Come in and see us so we can make sure you’re not excessively dehydrated, and ensure you recover as soon as possible.

Please let our reception know you may have gastro so we can provide you with some privacy and comfort, a vomit bag if needed, and let people who are immunocompromised or pregnant know so they don’t become unwell.

It’s never fun getting gastro, so let’s get you feeling better.

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GSH Doctors who provides Acute Illness service

Dr Stephanie Andriputri

MBBS; BA; DRANZCOG; DCH; FRACGP

Acute IllnessChild Health ServicesChronic Disease Prevention & ManagementMental HealthReproductive HealthSexual HealthTravel HealthWomen’s HealthWork Health

Gastroenteritis

Acute illness

What are the symptoms?

How is it diagnosed?

What’s the treatment? I want to feel better!

How do you prevent it?

I’m sick, what do I do?

Let our doctors guide you to better health so you can live your best life