Recently, we have had an increase of illnesses including gastro, coughs, colds and viruses. It is important that if your child is unwell that they are kept at home until symptoms subside or they get the all clear from your local GP. Below is some important information regarding gastro. 

What is winter vomiting (gastro) disease?

A virus known as norovirus causes winter vomiting disease. The virus usually causes short-lasting outbreaks but is very contagious. The infection has caused many outbreaks in the community and in health care settings in recent years.

What are the symptoms of winter vomiting disease?

Symptoms can include:

• Nausea (often sudden onset)
• Vomiting (often projectile)
• Crampy abdominal pain
• Watery diarrhoea
• High temperature chills and muscle aches.

Symptoms begin around 12 to 48 hours after becoming infected. The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only about 1-2 days. However, illness may be prolonged in some people (usually the very young or elderly). In more severe cases it may cause dehydration and require hospital treatment. If you have any specific concerns about your child you should contact your GP.

How is winter vomiting disease spread?

People can become infected with the virus in several ways, including:

• Contact with an infected person, especially contact with vomit or faeces.
• Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Consuming contaminated food or water.

What can be done to prevent infection?

It is often impossible to prevent infection; however, taking good hygiene measures around someone who is infected can decrease your chance of getting infected.

• Wash hands frequently including before eating or preparing food and after toilet use.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhoea by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
• Flush or discard any vomit and/or faeces in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

Can my child stay in school?

It is extremely important that people who have been ill with vomiting or diarrhoea should remain off school or work while symptomatic and for 24 hours after their last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.