Gastroenteritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Contagion

Gastroenteritis, commonly called the “stomach flu,” is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection.

It affects people of all ages and can be highly contagious, especially when hygiene practices are not strictly followed.

What is Gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an illness that causes irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. 

It’s typically triggered by infections from viruses (such as rotavirus and norovirus), bacteria (like E. coli and Salmonella), or parasites (like Giardia). 

In some cases, gastro can also result from consuming contaminated food or water, making foodborne illnesses a common cause.

Also Read: Medical Certificate Rules in Australia

Who is at Risk for Gastroenteritis?

Most people who are at risk are:

• Infants
• elderly people
• People with other conditions that weaken their immune system
• young children

What are Gastroenteritis Symptoms?

The symptoms of gastro often appear suddenly and can vary in severity, depending on the cause of the infection. Common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea: Watery and loose stools, often frequent.
• Nausea and Vomiting: A persistent feeling of sickness with frequent vomiting.
• Stomach Cramps: Pain and discomfort in the abdominal area.
• Fever: Mild to moderate fever can occur, particularly with viral gastroenteritis.
• Dehydration: Due to diarrhea and vomiting, dehydration is a major concern, with symptoms such as dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue.

Symptoms usually last a few days, but in more severe cases, especially in young children and the elderly, they may persist for up to a week.

What is Gastroenteritis Treatment?

Treatment for gastro mainly focuses on managing the symptoms and preventing dehydration. Essential treatment methods include:

1. Hydration: Replenishing fluids is crucial. Drink plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), or electrolyte drinks to replace lost fluids and salts.
2. Diet: Once vomiting and nausea subside, start with a bland diet, including bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).
3. Rest: Rest is essential to allow the body to fight off the infection.
4. Medication: Over-the-counter medications like anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea can be taken. However, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before using them, especially for children or older adults.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in more severe cases of bacterial gastro, while parasitic infections might require specific treatments.

Also Read: Gastro Medical Certificates: When and Why You Might Need One

Is Gastroenteritis Contagious?

Yes, gastro is highly contagious, mainly if caused by viruses. It spreads through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces and close contact with infected individuals. The virus can also be spread through airborne particles when an infected person vomits.

Proper hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding shared utensils, can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the infection. If you’re infected, it’s essential to avoid preparing food for others.

When to Seek Help?

For adults, gastroenteritis treatment is best when you have these symptoms:

• Dehydration, decreased urination, 
• Feeling lethargic, 
• feeling faint while standing up, 
• dry mouth
• fever
• severe abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea.

For children, the symptoms can be:

• Dehydration
• Feeling faint
• Lethargy
• Sunken eyes
• Fever
• abdominal pain
• bloody diarrhoea
• And any symptoms in a child less than 12 months of age

You can also request a gastro medical certificate from an Australian licensed doctor to care for your child if he/she suffers from it.

Conclusion

Gastroenteritis is an unpleasant but common illness that is usually resolved with proper care and hydration. 

However, preventive measures are essential to avoid spreading the infection, especially in group settings or households. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical attention is necessary to prevent complications.