GASTROENTERITIS is a nasty illness which is rearing its ugly head on the Coffs Coast at this time of year.

Emergency department doctors at Coffs Harbour Health Campus are seeing a steady stream of patients struck down with the disease, with Christmas and new year’s food leftovers a possible link in some cases.

With that in mind, medicos have issued the following warnings to prevent a spread of the disease:

• Wash your hands to prevent the spread, especially after changing nappies;
• Don’t prepare food for others if you are sick with gastroenteritis;
• Take care with food preparation during the summer and refrigerate food as soon as possible after cooking;
• Rest at home until you have recovered – don’t go to work or send your child to care while sick; and
• See a doctor if needed – dehydration can be serious in small children and babies with gastro.

Viral gastroenteritis is a common infection of the stomach and intestines that results in vomiting and diarrhoea.

It can be caused by a number of different viruses but there are many other causes including bacteria, toxins, parasites and some non-infectious diseases.

Viral gastroenteritis is highly infectious and is spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person.