What should you know about stomach bug in the air?

People may use this phrase when illness is spreading through a household, workplace or crowded setting. Vomiting can release droplets that contaminate nearby surfaces, and germs can then reach the mouth through hands or objects. Gastroenteritis may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever and loss of appetite. Nausea is a common presentation of gastroenteritis, but it does not show that a particular person has a specific infection. Rotavirus infection is one possible cause.

Move away from someone who is vomiting, ventilate the room if practical and clean contaminated surfaces with a suitable disinfectant. Wash hands with soap and water after cleaning and before eating. Do not share cups, towels or utensils. If you become ill, take small frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solution, rest and eat when able. Avoid cooking for others while symptoms continue.

Get medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, symptoms are prolonged or you are becoming weaker. Urgent help is needed for confusion, fainting, very little urine, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain or breathing difficulty. Children, older adults and people with long-term conditions can become dehydrated sooner. Seek advice promptly if a child is hard to wake, has a dry mouth and is not urinating normally.

Ask whether the pattern suggests gastroenteritis, what cleaning precautions are appropriate, which fluids to choose, and when it is safe to return to shared spaces.