Gastro
Gastro is short for “gastroenteritis” which involves infection and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. It typically causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea and fever. In most cases it will last for 1-2 days.
Recently there has been a Public Health on the outbreak of gastroenteritis .
Gastro can be caused be a number of different pathogens such as bacteria, protozoas, or viruses. Current testing has shown that this recent out break is due to a virus called Rotovirus, this virus is running particularly rampant in young children. In 1 week of January in NSW there were 2,250 emergency department presentations for gastro.
It is really important that if you, unfortunately, become a victim of gastro that you help prevent further spreading.
Stop the spread
Wash hands with soap and water following any clean ups or nappy changes in an individual with gastro - hand sanitizer will not be as effective as soap and water for the viruses that cause gastro
Use gloves and a mask to wipe up any vomit or feces
Stay home from work/school/childcare until symptom-free for 48 hours (ie 48 hours after last vomit/diarrhea)
Home care
Rehydrate! Drink water or an electrolyte drink to replace the fluid and electrolytes lost. Try to avoid sugary drinks which can worsen diarrhoea. Drink small amounts regularly.
Rest - gastro can be very draining, and you are already staying home to stop the spread so use this time to rest and recover!
Gastro stop - reserve this for times where you need to be out for work, travel as it can slow the clearance of the infection
Nappy rash - little babes with gastro will typically develop nappy rash from the diarrhoea which can be hard to manage and generally will not resolve until the diarrhoea stops, using a barrier cream with each nappy change can provide some relief from this discomfort
Once vomiting has stopped, what should I eat?
Bland foods - dry toast, plain crackers, rice
Try small amounts of food first before building up to a meal that would be a usual size for you
Foods high in fat may not be well tolerated so are usually best avoided while recovering
Remember
The elderly, very young children and those who are immunocompromised are most at risk of becoming very unwell with gastro. Babies under 6 months with gastro should always see a doctor. All individuals with gastro should monitor for signs of dehydration.
References:
Therapeutic Guidelines
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/20230118_00.aspx
DISCLAIMER: This information is provided to give an overview and provide you with information that can help you understand different medical conditions and therapies, however it is not here to stop you seeking appropriate medical advise.
Treatment options:
Loperamide: commonly known as GASTRO STOP is a medication that can be bought over the counter at your local pharmacy. It is indicated for diorrohea and is NOT recommended for children unless properly prescribed by their specialist.
Loperamide can be a useful tool in reducing and stopping dirohhea in adults when absoutly necessary, however keep in mind that your body has diarrhea because it is trying to remove the pathogen that is infecting you from the body, so the sooner it can remove it the better!
Loperamide does interact with other medications so if you are taking other medications please check with your doctor or pharmacist that it is ok for you to take this medication.
Reference:
Online AMH 2023
