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This information sheet has been given to you by Paramedics because they have treated you for suspected gastroenteritis (also called ‘gastro’). It contains important information on how to look after yourself and what to do if your condition changes.

Key messages

• Gastroenteritis is common and usually does not require hospital treatment.
• The very old and very young are most at risk.
• Maintain fluid intake and rest.
• Gastroenteritis is highly contagious.
• Wash your hands well.
• Clean toilets and bathrooms often to reduce the risk of spreading the disease.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the bowel that can cause diarrhoea (runny faeces or poo), vomiting, or both.

Gastroenteritis can cause dehydration (loss of water), which can lead to a loss of sugar and salts that the body needs to work normally.

Gastroenteritis often settles without treatment. It is more common in winter and affects people of all ages.

What causes gastroenteritis?

Viruses are the most common cause of gastro. There are many kinds of viruses, so gastroenteritis can occur more than once.

Viruses that cause gastroenteritis are found in human faeces.

Bacteria and parasites can also cause gastroenteritis, and are usually found in contaminated food or water (this is known as food poisoning). Food poisoning usually occurs 6 to 12 hours after eating spoiled food.

How is it spread?

Viral gastro is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. When a person vomits or has diarrhoea, small droplets containing the virus can contaminate surfaces such as taps, toilet flush handles, children’s toys and nappies. People with gastroenteritis can spread the virus up to 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

Bacterial gastroenteritis is spread through poor hygiene (particularly not washing your hands after going to the toilet, after cleaning vomit or after cleaning dirty nappies), spoiled food, polluted water supplies and handling pets and animals.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Gastro may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

• diarrhoea which usually lasts one to three days, but can last up to ten days
• nausea and vomiting that may last a day or two
• stomach cramps and pain
• fever (temperature over 37.5°C in adults and over 38°C in children).

In bacterial gastro, the symptoms are similar but the fever is often higher, stomach cramps are worse and diarrhoea can have blood and mucus in it.

Symptoms of more severe gastro include failing to keep down any fluids at all, not passing much urine and feeling faint when standing up.

Diarrhoea that is black is not gastroenteritis – it may indicate bleeding in the large intestine (bowel) and requires urgent medical treatment.

Treatment

Gastroenteritis is often mild and treatment will depend on whether it is viral or bacterial in nature. Your local doctor/ pharmacist is your best resource for managing gastroenteritis.

• Oral solutions such as Gastrolyte or Hydralyte help replace the necessary water and salts lost through vomiting and diarrhoea. They are also available as icy-poles, which children may prefer. Follow the instructions on the packaging. As an alternative, you can make your own rehydration solution by: mixing a ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 4 tablespoons of sugar in 1 litre of water.
• Sports drinks such as Powerade or Gatorade are not recommended for suspected gastroenteritis.
• Anti-diarrhoea medicine such as Imodium or Lomotil may help to reduce persistent symptoms. Discuss their use with your local doctor or pharmacist before taking them. They are not recommended for all cases and are not suitable for children.
• Anti-nausea medication may be prescribed by your local doctor for persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Antibiotics are only needed if the gastro is caused by bacteria or parasites. A sample of your diarrhoea may be tested by your local doctor.

Home care

• Drink small amounts (sips) of clear fluids such as water often (every five to ten minutes). The fluids will not stop the vomiting and diarrhoea but will stop you getting dehydrated.
• Eat if you feel hungry. Start with bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or dry toast. You should be back to consuming normal fluids and diet in 48–72 hours, even if diarrhoea continues.
• Get plenty of rest.
• You should return to your local doctor or hospital if you are unable to keep down enough fluids, feel dizzy when standing or have significant worsening of symptoms.

Stopping the spread of gastro

There are many ways to reduce the spread of gastro.

• Do not share your towels, face washer, toothbrush, drinks or cutlery with others.
• Wash your hands well (for at least 10 seconds) with warm soapy water after using the toilet, changing nappies, cleaning up vomit and before eating or cooking meals. You can also use an antibacterial hand sanitiser.
• Handle, store and prepare raw and cooked foods separately. Cook all raw foods well.
• People who have gastro should not prepare or handle food for others.
• Stay at home and away from others while you are unwell.
• Clean bathrooms and toilets often.
• Take care when handling animals and their faeces or urine.
• If you think the source of your illness may have been food bought from a shop, café or restaurant, report it to your local council health department right away. Keep any leftover food for testing.

Guidelines regarding returning to childcare, school or work vary between childcare centres, schools and organisations. Hospital, health care and food handling staff should not return to work until at least 48 hours after the diarrhoea has settled. Check with your childcare centre/school/work regarding their requirements.

Seeking help

Call triple zero (000) if you experience any of the following:

• Black, offensive smelling, jelly-like bowel motions. This may indicate bleeding from the bowel.
• Vomit that is dark red/brown and looks like used coffeegrounds as this may indicate bleeding from the stomach.
• Fainting or collapse.

In a medical emergency go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000).

See your local doctor or health care professional if:

• your symptoms do not improve after 48 hours
• you have recently returned from overseas
• your temperature is > 40°C
• you have stomach pain that is getting worse
• you have frequent vomiting or diarrhoea or both
• you notice blood or mucus in your faeces (diarrhoea)
• you have passed little or no urine, or your urine is dark or smelly.

Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) is also available to treat non-life-threatening emergencies. You will be connected to emergency doctors and nurses who will provide medical advice. Please note you will need a device (mobile phone, tablet, computer) with a camera to use this service.

Contact VVED through the website vved.org.au. If you experience issues, please call 9485 9070.

Want to know more?

• Ask your local doctor or health care professional.
• Visit the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or telephone 1800 875 137.