What should you know about family has stomach bug will i get it?

Gastroenteritis commonly causes diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and reduced appetite. Germs can move from vomit or stool to hands, bathroom surfaces, handles, towels, food, and shared utensils. A person may become ill after contact, but exposure does not make infection certain. Other causes can look similar, so symptoms and the household pattern help a clinician assess the situation.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, cleaning, or helping someone who is ill, and before preparing food. Do not share towels, cups, or utensils. Clean contaminated bathroom and kitchen surfaces promptly, wash soiled laundry separately when possible, and keep the ill person away from food preparation. Encourage small frequent drinks to replace fluid loss and rest while symptoms settle.

Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or inability to keep fluids down. Contact a clinician promptly for a young infant, an older adult, pregnancy, significant medical conditions, or symptoms that are worsening rather than settling.

Ask how to replace fluids safely, which warning signs apply to your household, when the ill person can prepare food, and whether testing or treatment is needed.