How to avoid gastro when the family has it?

What is gastroenteritis?

What causes gastroenteritis?

1. Viral gastroenteritis:

• Norovirus: This highly transmissible virus is one of the leading global causes of gastroenteritis. 
• Rotavirus: primarily affecting young children (in Australia, vaccination for rotavirus is routinely provided to young children).
• Adenovirus: a common cause of gastroenteritis in children. 
• Astrovirus: commonly affecting children and the elderly. 

2. Bacterial gastroenteritis:

• Salmonella: Commonly acquired from raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, or contaminated water. 
• Campylobacter: found in raw or under-cooked poultry.
• Escherichia coli (E. coli): certain strains of E.coli may cause severe gastroenteritis, frequently associated with contaminated food, particularly undercooked beef or polluted vegetables. 
• Clostridium perfringes: sources include improperly stored meat and sauces.

3. Parasitic infections:

• Giardia: A parasite associated with watery diarrhoea and foul-smelling flatus (wind) and stool, often contracted from contaminated water, especially untreated water from lakes or streams. 
• Entamoeba histolytica: A parasite that causes amoebic dysentery (severe diarrhoea often with blood or mucus). Usually spread through contaminated food and water in areas with poor sanitation. 
• Cryptosporidium: A parasite causing diarrhoea and commonly transmitted via contaminated water, especially in swimming pools or potable water. 

What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis?

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Dizziness
• Decreased urine output
• Body ache

How to avoid gastro when a family has it?

1. Hand hygiene: it’s really important to keep your hands clean. Wash them often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers/nappies, or touching surfaces and objects the infected family member has been in contact with. If you can’t access soap and water, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser can help but some pathogens can be resistant to alcohol cleansers. Try to keep the sick family member isolated in a separate room and set aside a bathroom just for them. Limit your contact with the person.
2. Clean surfaces regularly: Make sure to clean surfaces regularly like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures—using a disinfectant that has chlorine bleach in it. Disposable gloves can help when cleaning and always wash your hands afterwards. It’s wise to avoid sharing personal items like utensils, drinking glasses, towels or toothbrushes with the sick person to stop the spread.
3. Safe handling of food: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cook food to the correct temperature, and be cautious about prepping food, particularly items usually eaten raw such as fruit and vegetables, sandwiches and sharing plates. Throw out any food that might be contaminated.
4. Monitor for symptoms: Be vigilant for symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. If you notice any signs of illness, act quickly to isolate yourself. 
5. Make sure everyone in the house understands these preventive steps. These simple actions can help keep gastroenteritis from spreading at home.

Gastro prevention

1. Keep hands clean: Make sure to wash your hands often using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or before you touch any food. If you can’t get to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer but be aware that some pathogens are resistant to these. 
2. Don’t share personal things: Try not to share things like forks, towels, toothbrushes, or cups with anyone else to reduce the chance of spreading germs.
3. Clean shared surfaces: Make it a habit to wipe down commonly touched areas like doorknobs, light switches, counters, and bathroom fixtures with a disinfectant that has chlorine bleach to get rid of germs.
4. Prepare food safely: Be sure to wash your fruits and vegetables well, cook foods to the right temperatures, and if you’re feeling sick or taking care of someone who is, it’s best not to cook.
5. Keep sick people apart: If someone is sick, try to keep them in a different room and, if you can, give them a separate bathroom. Reduce direct contact and remind them to practice good hygiene too.
6. Be careful with laundry: Wash dirty clothes and linens separately in hot water. It’s a good idea to wear disposable gloves when you handle soiled items and remember to wash your hands well afterwards.
7. Boost your immune system: Eating a balanced diet, drinking enough water, and getting plenty of sleep can help your body fight off infections.
8. Be aware of early signs: Keep an eye out for symptoms of gastroenteritis like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. If you notice any of these, it’s best to consult a doctor right away.
9. Teach your family: Make sure everyone at home knows why good hygiene matters and encourage them to stick to these habits consistently to help stop the spread of gastro.

What to do when your child has gastro?

1. Keep them hydrated: Dehydration is the biggest concern. Offer small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte or water. Avoid sugar sweetened beverages and fatty and spicy foods as these can be poorly tolerated. For breastfeeding infants, continue breastfeeding as usual but consider early medical review as the symptoms of dehydration and sepsis are not always clear in very young children.
2. Offer a gentle diet: Once vomiting subsides, introduce bland foods like bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid spicy, fatty, or dairy-rich foods until their stomach is settled. Let them eat only if they feel ready.
3. Ensure rest and comfort: Encourage your child to rest and keep them comfortable in a calm environment. Rest is crucial for recovery.
4. Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up vomit, changing diapers, or handling anything your child has touched. Disinfect surfaces, especially in the bathroom, and wash soiled clothing and linens in hot water.
5. Monitor for signs of dehydration: Watch for dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination, pale skin, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional urgently.
6. Avoid anti-diarrheal medications: Do not give over-the-counter anti-diarrheal or anti-nausea medications unless advised by a doctor, as they may not be suitable for children.
7. Seek medical help when needed: Contact a doctor if your child shows severe symptoms like a high fever, blood in their stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or if the illness lasts more than a couple of days.
8. Minimise Spread to Others: Isolate your child as much as possible. Use a separate bathroom for them if available and ensure other family members maintain proper hygiene.

When to consult a doctor?

How can telehealth with an online doctor help with gastro?

• Telehealth consultations: Speak with a qualified online doctor from the comfort of your home through secure video consultations. 
• Online prescriptions: Receive instant scripts for your medication, without needing to visit a clinic. Also have your medicines delivered through online pharmacy delivery at your convenient time. 
• Medical certificates: Obtain a valid medical certificate online for work or school without stepping out of your home, whether it is for same day or multiple days doctors certificate. 
• Doctor referrals: Access online referrals to specialists and diagnostic services, saving time and effort. 

In conclusion