Vomiting and diarrhea (gastroenteritis)

Person holding their stomach with both hands

Gastroenteritis is a common condition caused by irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This results in vomiting and diarrhea. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all cause gastroenteritis.

Although it is commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis is not the same as influenza. Influenza affects the respiratory system – the nose, throat, and lungs.

Viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis, especially norovirus. It is less common for gastroenteritis to be caused by bacteria like campylobacter and salmonella, or by parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

Labs and health care providers must report all possible illness caused by contaminated food or water to public health. KFL&A Public Health looks into all cases to investigate the source of illness and to provide education.

Symptoms

Symptoms of gastroenteritis often start suddenly. They can range from mild to severe, and typically include:

Diarrhea.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Stomach pain and cramps.
Loss of appetite.

Bloating, fever, chills, headache, body aches, and feeling tired are other possible symptoms.

Most people get better with no specific treatment. Contact your health care provider if symptoms last longer than a few days, if there is blood or pus in your stool (poop), if you have a high fever, or if you have recently traveled. Your health care provider may order stool (poop) or blood tests.

The most common complication of gastroenteritis is dehydration. Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, deep yellow urine (pee) or little or no urine.

Who is at high risk

Anyone can get gastroenteritis, but some people are more likely to get sick and have more serious illness. These people include:

Older adults.
Children under the age of five.
People whose immune systems are weakened by health conditions or medicine used to treat them, including people with diabetes, liver or kidney disease, HIV or AIDS, or cancer.
People who are pregnant.

How gastroenteritis is spread

Gastroenteritis spreads very quickly and easily. This can happen if you:

Eat food or drink liquids that are contaminated.
Touch contaminated surfaces or objects and then touch your mouth.
Have direct contact with someone who is infected, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them.
Have contact with infected animals or their environments.

Preventing spread to others

The following actions will prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet, after contact with animals, before preparing or eating food, and after changing a diaper. Use soap and water, or hand sanitizer if water is not available. Teach children to do the same.
When someone has gastroenteritis, clean and disinfect the toilet after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea. Find out more about dehydration and diarrhea in children.
Do not share towels, washcloths, or utensils with someone who is ill. Wash these separately, using hot water.
Stay home when you are sick and do not return to daycare, school, or work for two days after symptoms stop.
Avoid preparing food for others while you are sick.
Avoid swimming if you have diarrhea.

Reduce your risk of gastroenteritis

Wash your hands often.
Keep the kitchen and bathroom clean.
Make sure that food is stored properly and prepared safely.
Ensure your drinking water is from a safe supply.
Keep pets out of food preparation areas and wash your hands after handling animals, their food, feces (poop), and cages and pens.
Vaccinate children against rotavirus.
Take precautions with food and water when traveling. Learn more about how to eat and drink safely abroad by visiting the Government of Canada website.