Gastric flu - Preventing gastroenteritis in adults

As gastroenteritis is very infectious, it is important to take steps to prevent it spreading to other people.

To prevent the spread of infection:

• wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food
• clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each episode of vomiting or diarrhoea
• don't share towels, flannels, cutlery and utensils with other household members
• don't return to work until you have had no symptoms for at least 48 hours

Read more about how to prevent germs spreading.

Food hygiene

Practising good food hygiene will help you avoid getting gastroenteritis from food poisoning. You should:

• regularly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water
• never store raw and cooked foods together
• make sure that food is properly refrigerated
• always cook your food thoroughly
• never eat food that is past its use-by date

Read more about preventing food poisoning.

Preventing traveller's diarrhoea

If you are travelling in a country with poor levels of food and water hygiene, you can reduce your risk of picking up an infection by avoiding:

• tap water
• raw or undercooked meat
• ice cream or ice cubes
• shellfish
• eggs
• salads
• fruit and vegetables that have been peeled or have damaged skin
• unpasteurised milk, cheese and other dairy products

Food and drink that is usually safe includes:

• sealed bottled water
• water that has been boiled for at least one minute (including tea or coffee)
• food that has been thoroughly cooked and remains steaming hot prior to serving
• canned food or food in sealed packs
• fresh bread
• fruit that you wash (with bottled or boiled water) and peel yourself
• alcohol

Before travelling, you should also ensure you have all the necessary travel vaccinations for the area you are visiting.

Read more about preventing traveller's diarrhoea and food and water abroad.