What should you know about stomach bug right now?

Gastroenteritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viral infections are a common cause, although other infections or contaminated food and water can also be involved. Gastroenteritis commonly presents with watery diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or cramps, reduced appetite, and fever. Symptoms may begin suddenly, and vomiting or diarrhoea can leave the body short of water and salts.

A stomach bug is different from influenza, even though people sometimes call it stomach flu. The illness can spread through contaminated hands, surfaces, food, or close contact. Careful handwashing and avoiding food preparation for other people while unwell can help limit transmission.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution, particularly after vomiting or passing loose stools. Small amounts may be easier to keep down than a full glass. Continue breastfeeding if an infant is affected, and offer age-appropriate fluids according to a clinician’s advice.

When eating feels possible, choose simple foods and return gradually to your usual meals. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched bathroom surfaces, and do not share towels or utensils. Avoid taking anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicines for a child unless a healthcare professional recommends them.

Watch for dehydration: a dry mouth, unusual thirst, dizziness, very dark urine, passing urine less often, marked weakness, or unusual sleepiness can all be warning signs.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot keep fluids down, feel faint or confused, become unusually difficult to wake, have severe or worsening abdominal pain, vomit blood, or see blood or black material in the stool. These features can signal dehydration or another condition needing prompt assessment.

Arrange medical advice for an infant, older adult, pregnant person, or anyone with a long-term illness who develops repeated vomiting or diarrhoea. Contact a clinician if symptoms are not improving, keep returning, or are making it difficult to drink, eat, work, or care for yourself.

You could ask: What is the safest way for me to replace fluids? Do my medicines or health conditions change how I should manage vomiting or diarrhoea? Do I need testing or treatment for a specific infection? Which changes should prompt urgent help?