A NUMBER of cases of viral gastroenteritis (gastro) have been reported across the Hunter New England Health district, including in, aged care and child care centres.
There are some simple hygiene precautions people can take to avoid a nasty case of gastro.
HNE Health Public Health physician Dr David Durrheim said people can help to protect themselves and their families – take care with hand-washing, stay home while recovering for illness and avoid preparing food for other people if you’re sick.
“The best way to avoid viral gastroenteritis is by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before handling and eating food. It is also important to always wash your hands after using the toilet,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Alcohol-based hand gel is an effective alternative if soap and water are not readily available.”
The elderly are particularly vulnerable to dehydration from a bout of gastro so it is unwise to visit people in hospitals or in aged care facilities if you have diarrhoea.
Child-care centres and schools are also susceptible to outbreaks and babies are another vulnerable group.
“It’s important to remember that babies can become dehydrated very quickly with gastro,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Any baby less than six months old who has gastro should be taken to your GP or local emergency department immediately.”
Gastro is a common illness which is caused by a number of different bugs. Viral gastroenteritis due to norovirus and rotavirus is more common in winter and early spring.
“Some of these viruses, particularly norovirus, are highly infectious and can be spread very easily from person to person. They can also be spread through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces,” Dr Durrheim said.
Symptoms of viral gastro usually last between one and three days, but sometimes longer.
