What should you know about got a stomach bug?

A stomach bug is often gastroenteritis, inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by an infection. Nausea, abdominal pain, loose stools, vomiting, fever and loss of appetite may appear together. Rotavirus infection is one possible cause, especially in young children. Symptoms can spread through contaminated hands, food, water or shared surfaces, so a person can pass the infection to others even when they begin to feel better.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips rather than drinking a large amount at once. Continue breastfeeding when relevant, and offer simple foods when appetite returns. Wash hands with soap and water, clean bathroom surfaces, avoid preparing food for others and do not share towels. Rest, and avoid anti-diarrhoeal medicines for children unless a clinician advises them.

Get medical advice for signs of dehydration such as very little urine, marked dizziness, a dry mouth, unusual sleepiness or difficulty keeping fluids down. Seek urgent help for blood in vomit or stool, severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, breathing difficulty, or a child who is difficult to wake. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term illness may need advice sooner.

Ask which rehydration product is suitable, whether testing is needed, when work or school can safely resume, and how to protect vulnerable household members.