What should you know about vomiting bugs going around?

Gastroenteritis can pass between people through vomit particles, contaminated hands, shared surfaces, food or drink. Diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and fever may accompany the vomiting. Food poisoning can affect several people who ate the same contaminated food, while migraine, gallstones and pancreatitis are not spread as a household bug. Rotavirus infection is another infectious possibility.

Stay home while actively vomiting or having diarrhoea. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating; alcohol hand gel is not a substitute for this step for every stomach infection. Clean contaminated bathroom and high-touch surfaces, do not share towels, and wash soiled laundry separately when possible. Sip fluids often, using oral rehydration solution if losses are heavy.

Arrange urgent assessment for blood or coffee-ground vomit, severe belly pain, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, a stiff neck, or inability to retain fluids. Contact a clinician if urine becomes very infrequent, dizziness is persistent, symptoms are worsening, or a vulnerable person is affected. Young children can become dehydrated quickly and should be assessed promptly when drinking poorly.

Ask whether the illness sounds contagious, how long to stay away from work or school, how to replace lost fluids, and whether testing or treatment is needed.