Gastrointestinal illness is a term used to refer to any illness that affects the organs of the digestive system (eg. stomach and intestines). Some, but not all, gastrointestinal illnesses can be caused by infectious organisms such as bacteria, viruses or parasites. Examples of organisms that can cause gastrointestinal infections are Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, giardia lamblia, the hepatitis A virus and the Norovirus.
If you are suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, you may have symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Symptoms may also include headache, fever, sweating and chills. It is important to report these symptoms to your doctor so that:
tests can be done
the correct diagnosis can be made
the appropriate treatment can be started
The symptoms of a gastrointestinal infection may lessen over time and you may feel well again, but the organism that caused the illness may still be found in your stool (bowel movements). This is why a person can spread a gastrointestinal infection even if the diarrhea has stopped. Your doctor may arrange for follow-up stool samples to be sent to the lab after your symptoms are gone to make sure the infection is completely gone.
The following information is intended to help you to prevent the person-to-person spread of gastrointestinal infections at home or at work:
Personal Hygiene:
Good personal hygiene is important to prevent the spread of infectious illness, and should be practiced at all times.
Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and warm water is very important, especially:
after using the toilet or changing diapers
before handling foods or eating
after handling raw meats, garbage, pets or after cleaning a litter box
Rinse your hands and then dry them with a clean or disposable towel.
Washroom Facilities (when you or your family are sick or ill):
Clean and disinfect washroom fixtures daily. (One part household bleach in 9 parts of water makes suitable disinfecting solution). Remember to store all cleaning chemicals safely away from children and pets.
Avoid sharing towels and face cloths in the home or use disposable paper towels.
Use air dryers or single service towels at work or away from home.
Avoid tub baths for children where possible. If not, clean and disinfect the tub after the person with diarrhea has used it. Do not bathe children together if one child has diarrhea!
Food Handling at Home:
Avoid preparing food for others if you have diarrhea.
If you have to prepare foods for others:
Choose foods that require minimal handling.
Practice good personal hygiene when handling food.
Wash your hands immediately before preparing food.
Clean and sanitize counter tops and other food contact surfaces or utensils in the kitchen. (One teaspoon of household bleach in a quart of warm water or 5 mL bleach in 1 litre of water makes a safe sanitizing solution.)
Change dishcloths often.
Air dry your dishes.
Cook foods thoroughly and keep them hot (above 60 degrees C) or cold (below 4 degrees C) until served.
Situations that have a high risk for spreading gastrointestinal infection:
People in high risk occupations, such as food service, child care, healthcare, long-term care and social care, should not work if they have diarrhea.
Children with diarrhea should not attend daycares or dayhomes.
Children with diarrhea should not go swimming in swimming pools.
Treatment and Recovery:
If you have a gastrointestinal infection, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. If antibiotics are used to treat your infection, make sure that you take them as ordered and for the full length of time prescribed - even if your symptoms are gone and you are feelingbetter. If you cannot tolerate the medications prescribed by your doctor, you need to discuss this with your doctor.
If you have submitted a stool sample which shows the presence of infectious gastrointestinal organisms, the Health Region will contact you in order to:
determine the source of your gastrointestinal infection
ask you about the foods you ate at home or in restaurants, recent travel and exposures to pets or other animals
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