Tikotiko me ruaki Diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis)

Bugs such as norovirus, rotavirus, salmonella, campylobacter and cryptosporidium can all cause gastro symptoms.

People usually get bacterial gastroenteritis by eating or drinking food or water that is contaminated with the bacteria. Depending on the source, large numbers of people may become infected. 

The main symptoms of gastro are runny poos (diarrhoea) and throwing up (vomiting). They can also include:

• stomach pain or cramp
• feeling sick (with or without vomiting)
• a high temperature (fever)
• muscle aches.

Gastroenteritis usually goes away in a few days, but symptoms can sometimes last from 7 to 10 days, and occasionally even longer.

Most people do not need to see a healthcare provider and it is best to avoid going to avoid spreading the infection. If you are concerned, call your Healthline for advice on 0800 611 116

The main risk is dehydration and there are a few things you can do to avoid this.

• Aim to drink plenty of fluid after each episode of diarrhoea. This is on top of your normal fluid intake.
• If you vomit, wait for 5 to 10 minutes to start drinking then take one sip of water every two to three minutes.
• Drink mostly water. Avoid drinks with a lot of sugar (such as cola or fruit juice) as this can make diarrhoea worse. You may choose to buy oral rehydration fluids from a pharmacy.
• Eat as normally as possible but avoid rich or high fat foods.

Paracetamol can help with fever and stomach pain.

Your gut does not absorb some medications (such as epilepsy medication and contraception) as well when you have diarrhoea. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice about this if you are not sure what to do.

You have a higher risk of becoming dehydrated if you have severe, prolonged diarrhoea or vomiting and cannot drink enough fluid. People most at risk of dehydration are:

• older and frail people or people who have a weakened immune system
• pregnant people
• young tamariki (children).

You should go to see your healthcare provider if:

• you are in one of the groups above most at risk of dehydration
• you are vomiting a lot and cannot keep fluids down
• you have blood in your diarrhoea or vomit
• you have severe stomach pain
• your symptoms are severe and getting worse
• your symptoms are not going away after 3 or 4 days
• you have recently travelled abroad.

If you need to visit your healthcare provider, always tell them about your symptoms in advance. This is so they can put measures in place to stop other people being infected.

If you cannot get to your regular healthcare provider or GP, you can have an appointment over the phone or online.

Online and over-the-phone healthcare (internal link)

Stay away from work or school for at least 48 hours after your symptoms have gone away, especially if you:

• prepare or handle food
• work in a healthcare or early childhood facility
• have contact with potentially vulnerable people.

You should wait for at least 2 weeks after the last episode of diarrhoea before you go swimming in a pool.

If someone in your home, workplace or education facility has gastro, to prevent spread:

• regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, rooms and affected areas, especially frequently touched surfaces or objects, and bathrooms and toilets.
• keep spaces well-ventilated by opening windows and doors several times a day to increase fresh air flow.

To guard against gastro, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water, and dry your hands thoroughly, especially:

• before eating or preparing food
• after going to the toilet
• when changing nappies
• after contact with an infected person.

Keep your hands clean — Healthy habits (internal link)

Food safety

Food safety is always important, but especially in hot weather.

• Make sure you wash your hands before cooking.
• Keep food refrigerated properly where possible.
• Do not leave food out for too long.
• Make sure meat and fish are properly cooked before eating.
• Keep surfaces and utensils clean.

Preparing and storing food safely at home — Ministry for Primary Industries (external link)