Gastroenteritis Symptoms, Spread and Prevention
Published: 15 March 2023
Published: 15 March 2023
Gastroenteritis is a common illness with a variety of causes. It is often highly contagious.
Gastroenteritis is the infection or inflammation of the digestive system. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, toxins, chemicals and medicines. There are many kinds of gastroenteritis, most of them contagious (Better Health Channel 2021; Healthy WA 2018).
Symptoms typically include abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. Gastroenteritis is a short-term illness that usually resolves by itself after a few days (Better Health Channel 2021).
There are many causes of gastroenteritis. They include:
(Better Health Channel 2021; Healthdirect 2021; Healthy WA 2018)
Viruses are the most common cause. Infections caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites can be contagious (Healthdirect 2021; Better Health Channel 2021).
Gastroenteritis is spread through contact with vomit or faeces from an infected person. This can happen easily through:
(NSW Health 2022)
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 2018).
The contagious period also varies depending on what caused the gastroenteritis, and in some cases, a person can be contagious even after symptoms have stopped (Mayo Clinic 2022).
(Better Health Channel 2021; Healthy WA 2018)
Symptoms generally last for 1 to 2 days, but sometimes continue for as long as 10 (Healthdirect 2021).
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 2021).
Babies under six months old are more susceptible to dehydration and should always receive medical attention (RCHM 2018).
Older adults are also at a higher risk of dehydration and gastroenteritis outbreaks within residential care facilities can have devastating effects. For a more in-depth look at investigating and containing gastroenteritis outbreaks in aged care, see Gastroenteritis Outbreak Management In Aged Care.
Gastroenteritis can affect anyone. However, outbreaks are more common in certain group settings. These include:
(NSW Health 2022)
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 2022; QLD Health 2018).
Medicines should only be used upon recommendation by a health professional (Better Health Channel 2021).
The best way to avoid contracting gastroenteritis is to perform thorough hand hygiene after using the bathroom or changing nappies, and before preparing food or eating (Healthdirect 2021). Other prevention strategies include:
(Better Health Channel 2021; NSW Health 2022)
There is a rotavirus vaccination for babies under six months of age (Healthy WA 2018).
People with gastroenteritis can avoid spreading it to others by:
(NSW Health 2022)
Question 1 of 3
What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis?