Look inside for more information on causes and treatments, as well as tips to prevent it from spreading to others.
GASTROENTERITIS (NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA) what you need to know
campushealth.unc.edu | 919.966.2281 James A. Taylor Building University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Student Affairs
Updated February 2020 What is Gastroenteritis? To help prevent/treat Thoroughly clean Gastroenteritis is the inflammation dehydration, drink and disinfect and irritation of the stomach and the sips of clear fluids for contaminated intestines. the first 12 hours, surfaces Severe cases may lead to dehydration, including water, ginger immediately especially in infants and the elderly. ale, sports drinks, flat after an episode soda or clear broth. of illness. First What causes it? Increase fluids as spray the area • Viruses tolerated. with a disinfectant cleaner, e.g. Lysol • Bacteria (e.g. Salmonella) After 12 hours, try or dilute bleach solution (mix 1 part • Intestinal parasites (e.g. giardia). This small amounts of bleach to 9 parts water), then clean with is more common after international bland foods, such as the disinfectant and disposable gloves. travel. rice, potatoes, crackers, pretzels, dry toast, Cleanup waste should be placed in a • Certain medications (e.g. aspirin, applesauce, cream-less soups, bananas. plastic bag, then in the trash. ibuprofen, antibiotics, corticosteroids) After bland food is tolerated, resume a Immediately remove and wash clothing or • Stress normal diet as tolerated. Although the linens that may be contaminated after an • Excessive alcohol or tobacco use following may be more difficult to digest episode of illness (use hot water and soap). during the next 24-48 hours: • Food allergies When should I seek medical • Milk and other dairy products attention? What are the symptoms? • Alcohol • Raw fruits and vegetables • Fever > 100.4°F (38°C) • Abdominal cramps • Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness • Nausea/vomiting • Spicy or fatty foods • Pizza when standing up or walking • Diarrhea • Weakness or abdominal pain for > 2 • Loss of appetite If diarrhea is the only symptom, follow a bland diet until improved. hrs • Weakness • No improvement or diarrhea worsens • Fever or chills Diarrhea may last for 7 days and stools may not return to normal for 2-3 weeks. after 48 hours of home care measures • Dehydration • Yellow, frothy, bloody, or green stool How to prevent the spread of viral occurs more than one time What should I do to manage my or bacterial gastroenteritis. • Persistent vomiting symptoms? Viruses causing nausea and vomiting are • Persons with insulin-dependent Your primary goal is to prevent spread easily. Pay special attention to hand diabetes should follow sick day plans. dehydration by drinking water. washing with soap and water, especially Monitor glucose and ketones. Seek Do not eat or drink anything for 1 to 2 after toilet visits and before eating or medical attention if unable to drink hours after the last episode of vomiting. preparing food. due to nausea or vomiting or if glucose Then try ice chips or small amounts of Avoid using towels, tableware, and cups is persistently over 250. water. used by an infected person. Contact Campus Health for medical needs.