Gastroenteritis Symptoms, Spread and Prevention
Published: 16 March 2020
Published: 16 March 2020
Gastroenteritis is a common illness with a variety of causes. It is often highly contagious.
Gastroenteritis is an infection and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals and drugs. There are many kinds of gastroenteritis, most of them contagious (Better Health Channel 2018; Healthy WA n.d.).
Symptoms typically include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis is a short-term illness that usually heals by itself after a few days (Better Health Channel 2018).
There are many causes of gastroenteritis. They include:
(Better Health Channel 2018; Healthdirect 2019; Healthy WA n.d.)
Viruses are the most common cause. Infections caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites can be contagious (Healthdirect 2019; Better Health Channel 2018).
Gastroenteritis is spread through contact with vomit or faeces from an infected person. This can happen easily through:
(Health NSW 2018)
The amount of time between exposure and onset of symptoms depends on the pathogen a person has been infected with. It can range from one hour to several weeks (Healthy WA n.d.).
The contagious period also varies depending on what caused the gastroenteritis, and in some cases, a person can be contagious after symptoms have stopped (Mayo Clinic 2020).
(Better Health Channel 2018; Healthy WA n.d.)
Symptoms generally last for 1 to 2 days, but sometimes continue for as long as 10 (Healthdirect 2019).
Gastroenteritis is not usually a serious illness but may lead to dehydration. In severe cases, an individual may require intravenous therapy to replenish lost fluids (Better Health Channel 2018).
Babies under six months old are more susceptible to dehydration and should always receive medical attention (RCH Melbourne 2018).
Older adults are also at a higher risk of dehydration and gastro outbreaks within residential care facilities can have devastating effects. For a more in-depth look at investigating and containing gastroenteritis outbreaks in aged care, read Gastroenteritis Outbreak Management In Aged Care.
Gastroenteritis can affect anyone. However, outbreaks are more common in certain group settings. These include:
(NSW Health 2018)
Most people will recover on their own without complications, but it is important to rest and drink plenty of fluids in order to stay hydrated. Rehydration fluids may be used (NSW Health 2018; QLD Health 2018).
Medication should only be used upon recommendation by a health professional (Better Health Channel 2018).
The best way to avoid contracting gastroenteritis is to wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing nappies, and before preparing food or eating (Healthdirect 2019). Some other strategies may include:
(Better Health Channel 2018; NSW Health 2018)
There is a rotavirus vaccination for babies under six months of age (Healthy WA n.d.).
If you have gastroenteritis, try to avoid spreading it to others by:
(NSW Health 2018)
(Subscribers Only)
Question 1 of 3
What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis?
Start an Ausmed Subscription to unlock this feature!
Ausmed’s Editorial team is committed to providing high-quality and thoroughly researched content to our readers, free of any commercial bias or conflict of interest. All articles are developed in consultation with healthcare professionals and peer reviewed where necessary, undergoing a yearly review to ensure all healthcare information is kept up to date. See Educator Profile