Gastroenteritis? It shouldn't cause a Crisis!

by Shelley White

What's gastroenteritis?
An infection of the guts
Where viruses or germs
Send the tummy into flux.

It ranges from mild stomach upset
That lasts a day or two
To vomiting for several days,
Frequent visits to the loo.

Diarrhoea's the main symptom
Often vomiting as well
Cramps in the tummy, headaches,
Sometimes temperatures excel.

A virus is a common cause
Or a germ that's going about
If an infected chef's prepared the food
Then you had better watch out!

Another cause is infected food -
Food poisoning from bacteria.
Is it campylobacter or salmonella
Contracted at the cafeteria?

Good hygiene prevents most bugs
So always wash your hands
After going to the toilet
Or touching pets or sand.

Don't touch that food without clean hands
Have you handled some raw meat?
Bacteria thereon could be passed
To food you're going to eat.

For children who have this complaint
The following's also recommended
Regularly clean the toilets they use
After their visit has ended.

Don't let them share flannels and towels
Or help to make a snack.
Wait until symptoms have gone
Or school won't have them back.

Give the children plenty of fluids
To avoid any dehydration
Water, fruit juice or favourite drinks
In any combination.

If dehydration is a risk
Rehydration drinks are advised
Water, salt and sugar are
The ingredients they're comprised.

They should eat as normally as possible
'Starving's' not for them
Soups, bread, rice and pasta
Should be offered now and then.

No anti-diarrhoea meds
E.g. loperamide
Are safe to give to children
But by adults may be tried.

Paracetamol's fine for adults and kids
Can relieve most aches and pain
It also brings down fever
Normal temperature helps regain.

Don't panic cos kids have the 'trots'
After a few days you will find
Their immune system's cleared it up
Watery stools are left behind.

If symptoms persist or are severe
Give doctor or nurse a bell
They'll provide some good advice
To help to make you well.