Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of gastroenteritis - the inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines. Severe cases may lead to dehydration, especially in infants and the elderly.
Your primary goal is to prevent dehydration by drinking water. Do not eat or drink anything for 1 to 2 hours after the last episode of vomiting. Then try ice chips or small amounts of water. To help prevent/treat dehydration, drink sips of clear fluids for the first 12 hours, ideally water. Other good options include ginger ale, sports drinks, flat soda or clear broth. Increase fluids as tolerated. After 12 hours, try small amounts of bland foods, such as rice, potatoes, crackers, pretzels, dry toast, applesauce, cream-less soups, bananas. After bland food is tolerated, resume a normal diet as tolerated.
The following may be more difficult to digest during the next 24-48 hours:
If diarrhea is the only symptom, follow a bland diet until improved. Diarrhea may last for 7 days and stools may not return to normal for 2-3 weeks.
Viruses causing nausea and vomiting are spread easily. Pay special attention to hand washing with soap and water, especially after toilet visits and before eating or preparing food. Avoid using towels, tableware, and cups used by infected person. Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness. First spray the area with a disinfectant cleaner, e.g. Lysol or dilute bleach solution (mix at least 1 part bleach to 50 parts water but not more than 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.), then clean with the disinfectant and disposable gloves. Cleanup waste should be placed in a plastic bag, then in the trash. Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap).
For medical attention, make an appointment or calling Campus Health and speaking to a nurse.