Diarrhoea

According to the NHS UK website NHS UK Diarrhoea "Diarrhoea is common in adults, children and babies. It is often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days".

Although this segment concerns diarrhoea the advice is the same if you have diarrhoea and vomiting together or separately. You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days and vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days. Both can spread easily so adults should stay off work (and children off schoool) until they have not not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days. To help avoid spreading an infection, if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.

It is important to rememebr to:

• Stay at home and get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick
• Eat when you feel able to – you do not need to eat or avoid any specific foods
• Take paracetamol if you're in discomfort – check the leaflet before giving it to children
• Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks – they can make diarrhoea worse
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently
• Wash any clothing or bedding that has faeces or vomit on it separately on a hot wash
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day
• Avoid preparing food for other people, if possible
• Avoid sharing towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils
• Avoid using a swimming pool until 2 weeks after the symptoms stop

The pharmacist can help with diarrhoea and vomiting and remember to refer a customer / patient to the pharmacist if:

• They or their child (over 5 years) have signs of dehydration – such as dark, smelly pee or peeing less than usual
• They are an older person, have a weakened immune system or have other health conditions that put you at increased risk of dehydration
• They need to stop their diarrhoea for a few hours e.g. because they are travelling somewhere

The Pharmacist may recommend Oral rehydration sachets you mix with water to make a drink and or medicines to stop diarrhoea for a few hours (like Loperamide).