Gastroenteritis

Question 1

For gastroenteritis, state:

- Causative agents

Answer 1

• Known as inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract
• Can be caused by a number of different viruses
• Other causes can include parasites, toxins, and some non-infectious diseases

Question 2

For gastroenteritis, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

• Person to person contact, such as shaking hands with someone who is sick and has the virus on their hands
• Contaminated objects (food and drink)
• Aerosolised particles when an infected person vomits

Question 3

For gastroenteritis, state:

- General signs and symptoms (7)

Answer 3

• Vomiting
• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Dehydration can follow

Question 4

For gastroenteritis, state

• Prevention (4)
• Treatment (5)

Answer 4

Prevention:
• Rotavirus vaccine at 6 weeks, and 4 months of age
• Wash hands thoroughly
• Clean contaminated objects/surfaces
• Those affected should not prepare food for others

Treatment:
• Keep child home for 24 hours after resolution of symptoms
• No specific treatment
• Avoid undiluted juices and soft drinks
• Rest and maintain fluid uptake
• Intravenous fluids may be needed in severe cases of dehydration