Gastro outbreak

There is a gastro bug outbreak going at the moment that is causing vomiting and diarrhoea, so I thought a reminder might be necessary, especially if you have kids.

Some important facts:

1. Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus (about 80% of the time) – therefore there is no magic cure and antibiotics don’t work – your body has to fight it.
2. It is very contagious and spreads like wildfire.
3. Basically the germs have to get from someone’s body secretions (faeces /stools and vomit) to your mouth. Sounds unlikely? Well, it happens when you:
   • Change a nappy, mop up some vomit or wipe your bum
   • Touch the taps, flush the toilet, turn on the lights
   • Forget to wash your hands really well
   • Some poor sod comes along and touches all the surfaces you’ve touched
   • They forget to wash their hands well
   • They eat a cookie or a small snack – the germs transfer from their hands to the food to their stomach
   • Voila! You’ve got gastro
4. So the key here is to wash your hands well and wash them often!
5. Here are some more tips and don’t forget the gastro bug article too.