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Mild severity
· General Physician
Gastroenteritis
Stomach flu · Vomiting and diarrhoea
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually from a virus or contaminated food or water, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Hydration is the main treatment.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Very common, all year
- Typical age
- All ages
- Outlook
- Self-limiting; hydration is key
- System
- Gut
Reviewed by a verified General Physician doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Viruses (rotavirus, norovirus)
- Contaminated food or water
- Poor hand hygiene
- Bacteria and their toxins
- Close contact with infected people
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Watery diarrhoea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Mild fever
- Signs of dehydration
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
- Frequent small sips of fluids
- Continue light, bland food
- Zinc for children
- Antibiotics only if bacterial and severe
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Wash hands before eating
- Drink safe, boiled or filtered water
- Eat freshly cooked food
- Keep children up to date on rotavirus vaccine
Do’s
- Start ORS at the first loose stool
- Wash hands with soap
- Eat freshly prepared, hot food
- Watch for dehydration signs
Don’ts
- Rely on sugary drinks alone
- Eat street or stale food when prone
- Take antibiotics without advice
- Ignore reduced urination or lethargy
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.