A nasty Gastro outbreak has been effecting many of our students over the course of the past week. We have seen at least 20 children affected by Gastroenteritis. It is a bowel infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting. The vomiting may settle quickly, but the diarrhea may last up to 10 days.
The most important treatment of gastro is hydration. Frequent small sips of water or rehydration fluids can help keep your fluid levels up and avoid the dreaded dehydration. Even crunching on ice chips can ensure you are getting some fluid in.
If you cannot tolerate any water, a trip to the hospital for IV fluids may be in order.
It is very important to keep your child/children at home if they are showing any signs of gastro. It can spread very easily and fast to the other children and class teachers and make them unwell, too.
Important things to remember:
- Gastroenteritis is easy to catch.
- Rest as much as possible. Make a floor bed with everything you need, bucket, water, towels. This will give you time to recuperate.
- Sharing isn’t caring. Stop the spread! Wash hands carefully with soap and water after going to the toilet and before touching any food. Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner. Wash all contaminated laundry thoroughly.
- Stay away from work, school, childcare etc. until 48 hours after symptoms resolve.
If you have any other questions and or concerns be sure to chat with your healthcare practitioner.