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Information for people suffering from gastroenteritis

What is most likely to be causing my diarrhoea and vomiting?

The most likely cause is a virus called Norwalk virus. It is a virus that can make you become ill suddenly with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, you may also experience a headache, stomach pains, aching muscles and a fever. The symptoms can be severe, and whilst distressing usually resolve within 1-2 days, however you may feel generally unwell for a few more days.

How can I make myself better?

Norwalk is a virus, this means that antibiotics will not help, and they could make you feel worse. The virus has to run its course.

You will lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea. It is important that you replace the fluid you lose. Frequent sipping of water, dilute juice or a rehydration mixture (such as dioralyte, available from pharmacies). Do not drink too much in one go as this may make you vomit. You can take paracetamol to help the headache and general aches, but always read the instructions on the packet.

• Anti diarrhoea mixtures or tablets do not help. They will only prolong the illness.
• Antibiotics do not help in the management of viruses.

How do I make sure my friends and family do not catch this from me?

The virus is found in the vomit and faeces of infected people. If someone has diarrhoea or vomits and does not clean their hands properly, any surface they touch is a source of infection for a short while afterwards. You should not prepare food while you are ill.

Often people may then touch that surface and because people unknowingly put their hands or fingers near their own mouth, they are then likely to catch the virus. Also if you vomit near someone, the droplets in the air might find their ways onto surfaces (for example a carpet) a few feet away from where you were sick and therefore be the source of infection if someone touches it (and then puts their hands in their mouth). Hard surfaces that are near the source of vomit or faeces (toilet pans, bowls, sinks, taps, toilet flushes etc) can be cleaned with a general detergent (washing up liquid), and then disinfected with a diluted bleach solution; the cloth used for cleaning must then be thrown away.

• Scrupulous hygiene is of the utmost importance especially after using the toilet.
• You should not prepare food while you are ill.
• You should stay away from work or school until two days after your symptoms have stopped.

When do I need to seek medical advice?

• If the stomach pains do not go away or get worse.
• If you notice blood in the vomit or diarrhoea.
• If you are unable to keep fluids down and this is lasting more than 4-6 hours.
• If you have an underlying health problem which may be affected by not keeping the tablets down.
• If you have underlying health problems which may be affected by not eating and drinking e.g. diabetes.

Sources of advice

• In the first instance phone NHS Direct 0845 4647.
• Local pharmacies.
• Your General Practitioner.

Please only phone for n ambulance if absolutely necessary.

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