What should you know about the latest stomach bug symptoms?

Gastroenteritis is irritation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by a virus and sometimes by bacteria or parasites. Affected people may develop nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, or body aches. Children may become unsettled and drink less than usual. Rotavirus infection is one possible cause, particularly in young children.

The main concern is dehydration, which happens when vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, or poor intake removes more fluid than the body replaces. Dry mouth, dizziness, unusual sleepiness, dark urine, or passing urine less often can signal a need for medical advice.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting settles, add simple foods gradually and continue normal feeding for infants unless a clinician advises otherwise. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell.

Do not give children or adults anti-diarrhoea or anti-vomiting medicine without checking that it is suitable. Antibiotics do not help most viral stomach bugs. Keep track of drinking, urination, vomiting, and stool changes so a clinician can judge severity.

Get urgent help for severe or localised abdominal pain, blood or black material in vomit or stool, fainting, confusion, a stiff neck, or breathing difficulty. Contact a clinician promptly when fluids cannot be kept down, urine becomes very infrequent, fever persists, or a baby, older adult, or person with a long-term illness is worsening. Symptoms can have causes other than gastroenteritis.

How can I replace fluids safely? Does this illness need testing? Which medicines are suitable with my health conditions? When can a child return to school or childcare? What cleaning and handwashing steps will protect other household members?