What is gastroenteritis ?

It starts suddenly! First, you get a mild belly pain and then crash bang, you start vomiting and having to go to the bathroom with diarrhea. Bad luck, it’s gastroenteritis!

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the alimentary canal.

Mostly, this disease is caused by a virus that attacks the mucous membrane of the stomach, small intestine and colon. Gastroenteritis is very contagious! You can catch it all year round and especially in winter. Why? Because viruses love winter! They’re not afraid of the cold, and as rooms are less ventilated, they’re in a cozy little nest. You must have noticed: it just takes one kid sick to contaminate the whole class! Each year, gastroenteritis affects millions of people, including children. It’s a nuisance, but not very serious. Except for babies and old people. They can’t swallow anything without vomiting, and risk dehydration. With gastroenteritis, you must drink small quantities very often.

So, how can you avoid getting gastroenteritis? By always washing your hands! Before eating, after going to the bathroom, when you get home from school. Too late? Ouch! Luckily, gastroenteritis doesn’t last long. It’s over in 2 or 3 days! Just hang in there!