Gastroenteritis: an overview of the symptoms, transmission and management

In the UK one in five people get gastroenteritis each year (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2017). This illness is also more common in young children, who may present with more than one case a year (World Health Organization, 2013). Both Norwalk-like viruses and rotavirus are also seasonal, occurring particularly during the Winter season (Ihouye et al, 2000). In fact, in both industrialised and developing countries, viruses are the main causative factor of acute diarrhoea in the winter season (World Gastroenterology Organization, 2012). In most cases the illness can last a week, but it can persist with a risk of dehydration or complications. School nurses can play a substantial role in improving children's performance at school, absentee rates and general wellbeing (Maughan, 2003). Parents may also seek advice from the school nurse about how to treat this condition or schools' exclusion criteria. This literature review of the clinical evidence and national guidelines will therefore be of particular interest to school nurses in the independent sector, based in schools and in special school nursing teams.