What should you know about the most common stomach bug?

Gastroenteritis can inflame the stomach and intestines. Viral causes are common, and some bacteria or parasites can produce a similar illness. Symptoms may include nausea, watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, and loss of appetite. Rotavirus Infection is one possible cause, particularly in young children. Symptoms can spread through contaminated hands, food, water, or shared surfaces, so careful handwashing helps protect other people.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after loose stools or vomiting. Resume simple foods when you feel able and rest. Wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not give anti-diarrhoeal medicine to a child without advice, and check before using it if you have blood in the stool or fever. Consider medical advice if symptoms are persistent, severe, or affecting a vulnerable person.

Get urgent help for severe dehydration, confusion, fainting, severe abdominal pain, blood or black material in stool, repeated vomiting, or a swollen abdomen. Warning signs of Dehydration include very little urine, a dry mouth, marked dizziness, and unusual sleepiness. Prompt advice is also needed for a young child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a long-term illness who cannot maintain fluids.

How much fluid should I take, and would oral rehydration help? Could another infection explain my symptoms? Which medicines should I avoid? When can I safely return to work, school, or food preparation?