Gastroenteritis
What is it
Gastroenteritis, also called the “stomach flu” or simply “gastro,” is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It often causes diarrhea (loose, watery stools), vomiting, abdominal cramps, and sometimes fever.
What you can do at home
What to do
- Drink small amounts of fluids frequently.
- Use an electrolyte replacement drink from the pharmacy (such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte), or make your own:
- 360 mL unsweetened orange juice
- 600 mL cooled boiled water
- 2.5 mL (½ tsp) salt
- To reduce pain, take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). When in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Important: Ibuprofen is contraindicated for children under 6 months of age.
What to eat
- Eat small meals and gradually increase portion sizes.
- Choose foods such as white pasta, rice, eggs, bread, lean meats, or unsweetened cereal.
Preventing the spread of infection
- Wash hands often.
- Clean countertops, door handles, and toilets with disinfectant.
- Avoid handling other people's food.
- For children: wait 24 hours after diarrhea and vomiting have stopped before returning to daycare.
- Wait 48 hours after diarrhea or vomiting have stopped before returning to school, work, or group activities.
For infants (0-2 years)
- Continue offering breast milk or infant formula frequently (if applicable). If needed, offer smaller amounts more often.
- Change diapers more frequently or use more absorbent diapers to help prevent leaks and diaper rash.
It is not recommended to drink:
- carbonated beverages (sodas);
- fruit juice;
- tea or coffee;
- energy drinks.
When to seek medical attention
- Diarrhea that started during or after traveling outside the country.
- Vomiting and/or diarrhea (loose, watery stools) lasting more than 2 days without improvement, despite following these recommendations.
- Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) lasting more than 7 days.
- Fever lasting more than 2 days despite taking medication.
- Inability to take regular medications.
- For babies (0-2 years): rotavirus vaccination not received or not up to date.
- Diarrhea (loose, watery stools) in babies younger than 2 months: seek medical attention within 24 hours.
- For babies and children (0-11 years): mucus (thick fluid) in the stool for more than 2 days.
- Weakened immune system (immunocompromised) and diarrhea (loose, watery stools) for 24 hours.
- Taking blood thinners and experiencing diarrhea (loose, watery stools), vomiting, or inability to eat for 24 hours.
Need help?
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital immediately
Unusual fatigue (drowsiness) or difficulty staying awake
Limited responsiveness to surroundings
Confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
Signs of dehydration, even after drinking plenty of fluids:
- dry mouth
- excessive thirst
- decreased urination
- dark yellow urine
- weakness
- for young children: fewer tears when crying
Reduced appetite, decreased thirst, and difficulty carrying out usual activities
Large amounts of blood in the stool or black stools
Diarrhea accompanied by excessive thirst and no urination for more than 12 hours (half a day)
Severe abdominal pain and a hard abdomen (belly)
Blood in vomit
For babies:
- intense crying
- inconsolable crying
Fever in people at higher risk:
- weakened immune system (immunocompromised)
- pregnancy
- babies younger than 3 months
For adults aged 75 years and older:
fever accompanied by difficulty performing one or two activities of daily living (e.g., cooking, bathing)
For children (0-11 years):
return within the past 12 weeks from a country with malaria risk, according to the Government of Canada ( travel.gc.ca )