Gastro, food poisoning or stomach flu: Everything you need to know - ABC News
Whether you're feeling nauseous, have the runs, or are actively vomiting, there's nothing pleasant about an upset stomach.
As Nirvana Luckraj, the chief medical officer of Healthdirect Australia explains, gastro is an overarching condition.
"Gastroenteritis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
"[It] can be caused by a variety of factors including viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, or it can be a reaction to certain medications, or even dietary changes."
Her team saw a spike in interest in gastro over the December and January holiday period, but have seen a downward trend since then.
Whatever variant you're experiencing, this is how to look after yourself and those around you.
What are the symptoms of gastro, food poisoning and the stomach flu?
Symptoms of gastroenteritis can include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
Dr Luckraj says food poisoning, stomach bugs and other forms of gastro all have similar symptoms, but differ in their causes.
Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viral infection, and can be spread via contact with an infected person, or by consuming contaminated food or water.
Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food like undercooked meat, contaminated produce, or dairy products. Dr Luckraj says symptoms usually start quickly — even just hours after consumption.
Is my gastro contagious?
Whether or not you're infectious is going to depend on the cause of your illness.
Dr Luckraj says gastroenteritis can be "a highly infectious disease".
"If you know someone who's had symptoms and you've been in contact with them, and you develop symptoms as well, that is most likely the cause.
"If you ate something and had a reaction a few hours later … the cause is probably contaminated food."
Regardless, she says it's important to practise good hygiene and continue to regularly wash your hands.
How long is gastro contagious?
Dr Luckraj says gastro's infectious period is going to depend on the cause, and your symptoms, which tend to resolve themselves in "between a few days to a week".
But Dr Luckraj says "once you stop having symptoms and you're feeling better, you're probably not infectious".
How to avoid gastro when your family or household has it
If you have gastro, you should limit your contact with other people.
Dr Luckraj also highlights the importance of practising "good hygiene: washing your hands after going to the toilet, after changing your baby's nappy, before preparing food".
She also recommends wiping down the bathroom taps, toilet and basin after use, as gastro is spread through contact with faeces and vomit.
Where possible, it's a great idea to use a separate bathroom to the other people in your home.
Dr Luckraj says given gastro isn't a respiratory illness, there's no point in wearing a mask like you would with COVID-19.
Instead, it's "hand hygiene [that] is extremely important".
Provided you've got clean hands, she says you should be OK to share a bed or sleep in the same room as a partner or child. Be aware, though, that the infection may also be spread in the air when people vomit.
Gastro and food poisoning treatment
Dr Luckraj says the key to managing your symptoms is to stay hydrated and rest.
"It's essential to drink plenty of fluids such as water, clear broth and electrolyte replacement drinks.
"Because if you become dehydrated that can lead to more serious complications that may potentially require medical care."
She'd recommend sourcing electrolyte drinks through your local chemist, as sports hydration drinks can contain sugars and other additives that could make you nauseous.
She also says to avoid solid foods to start with, as they may irritate your stomach.
If you're struggling to keep fluid down, she suggests taking frequent sips as often as you can.
You can also speak to your local pharmacy about anti-nausea and diarrhoea medication.
When to seek medical help for gastro
If you have symptoms of dehydration, Dr Luckraj says it's time to urgently see a GP, or go to hospital.
Signs of dehydration include:
- A dry mouth
- Passing very small amounts of urine
- Feeling very tired, dizzy or confused
- A persistent headache
- A sudden, rapid heartbeat
- Dry skin, sunken eyes
Or, if it's been a few days and your gastro symptoms are worsening, without signs of improvement, you may also need medical attention.
When to eat after gastro
Once you start feeling better, Dr Luckraj says you can start eating bland, easy-to-digest foods, like the BRAT diet.
- Bananas are a good sauce of potassium, and can help regulate the fluid balance in the body.
- Rice is a bland, easily digestible source of carbohydrates that can help revive energy and alleviate nausea.
- Applesauce is also bland, easy to digest and can soothe an upset stomach.
- Toast or plain crackers are also a great way to alleviate nausea, while providing another source of carbohydrates.
While this isn't a long-term diet, it can help you gradually ease back onto solid foods.
You can more information on gastroenteritis on the Healthdirect website, as well as a symptom checker.
This is general information only. For detailed personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner who knows your medical history.
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