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Gastroenteritis
Alfred University Health Services: Patient Education
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is usually caused by a virus, most often the norovirus. It
is very contagious, especially in close living quarters such as college campuses. While gastroenteritis can
be intense and miserable, the good news is that symptoms usually last just 1-2 days while the immune
system takes care of it. Occasionally, however, some symptoms can last up to 10 days.
Causes of gastroenteritis:
Gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by noroviruses. It is highly contagious and can be passed from
person to person or via contaminated food. In young children, the rotavirus is usually the cause of viral
gastroenteritis, with other causes being undercooked shellfish or other food, or food contamination
from non-hygienic practices by food service workers.
How can I treat gastroenteritis? When do I need to seek medical care?
Signs and Symptoms:
The biggest danger with this condition is dehydration. With fluids being
▪ Watery diarrhea (not
usually bloody)
lost at both ends of the digestive system, it is difficult for the body to
▪ Abdominal cramps
absorb enough. However, dehydration isn’t usually serious unless it’s
and pain
been 2 days for a healthy adult size body. While enduring the illness,
▪ Nausea, vomiting
the best things to do are:
▪ Muscle aches
- Take it easy on your stomach. Stop eating solid foods for a bit
▪ Headache
to let your GI system rest.
▪ Low grade fever
- Try to drink fluids, a little bit at a time. Suggestions include
sucking on ice chips, small sips of water, broths, clear soda.
- When you feel like eating, choose bland foods that are easier to digest such as crackers, toast,
bananas, rice, or chicken. Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, fatty or spicy foods.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Be careful with medications as they can upset your stomach.
Call your provider if you notice the following:
- You can’t keep liquids down for 24 straight hours, or you’ve been vomiting for 2+ days
- There’s blood in your vomit or in your stool
- You have a fever above 104⁰F
- You are dehydrated- signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, dark yellow urine,
little or no urine, severe weakness dizziness, or lightheadedness
How can I prevent gastroenteritis?
As with any contagious illness, there are several things that can be helpful to help in prevention:
- Hand hygiene is number one: wash hands with soap and water, or use a hand sanitizer, often
throughout the day, especially before eating.
- Sanitize common surfaces in common living areas (bathroom fixtures, counters, doorknobs).
- Don’t share things like utensils, hand towels, etc.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is actively experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis.
Call the health services at any time with questions or concerns!
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/basics/symptoms/con-20019350
Alfred University Health Services ♥ 19 Park Street (corner of Park and Terrace) ♥ (607)871-2400
http://www.alfred.edu/students/student_services/health_center.cfm
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