gastroenteritis

Everyday

(medicine) An illness where the stomach and intestines (gut) become sore and swollen, usually caused by a virus or bacteria, giving sickness, diarrhoea and tummy pain; often called a «tummy bug» or «stomach flu». tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons, gastroenteritis spreads easily, so wash hands with soap after the toilet and before eating; stay off school for 48 hours after the last sickness or diarrhoea (UK school rule). Drink small sips of water to avoid dehydration. Norovirus is a common cause.

Examples

• Half the class was off with gastroenteritis. tree →
• Gastroenteritis is often called a tummy bug. tree →
• Wash your hands to stop gastroenteritis spreading. tree →
• After gastroenteritis, drink plenty of water. tree →
• The doctor said it was gastroenteritis, not food allergy. tree →
• You must stay home for two days after gastroenteritis. tree →

Note

Said «gas-troh-en-tuh-RYE-tis». Uncountable. «Gastro» = stomach, «entero» = intestines, «-itis» = swelling. In Australia people say «gastro» for short. «Stomach flu» is not really flu.