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Gastro cases circulating this winter
Gastro cases circulating this winter
Hunter New England Health is warning people to take extra hygiene precautions as gastroenteritis cases have increased with the advent of the cooler weather.
Viral gastroenteritis outbreaks occur throughout the year, however cases typically rise during the winter months.
Hunter New England Health Public Health Physician Dr David Durrheim said ‘norovirus’ is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis at this time of year and is highly infectious.
“Gastroenteritis is most often spread via direct contact with an infected person,” Dr Durrheim said.
“Common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, abdominal pain, headache, and muscle aches.
“The best way to reduce your chances of getting viral gastroenteritis is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water for 10 seconds before handling and eating food, and always wash your hands after using the toilet,” Dr Durrheim said.
“It is very important that if you or your family contract gastroenteritis that you stay home from school or work. It is equally important not to visit patients in hospital or residents in aged care, places where norovirus can rapidly spread.
“If your work involves handling food, or looking after children, the elderly or patients, do not return to work until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped,” Dr Durrheim said.
“We also urge infected people not to prepare food for others until at least 48 hours after they have completely recovered.
“Symptoms can take between one and three days to develop and usually last between one and two days, sometimes longer.
“Because dehydration often follows bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea, people with the virus should rest well and increase the amounts of fluids they drink.”
Contact: Tanya Carlyle
Phone: (02) 49392602
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