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Self Care Guidelines

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Virus)

Please review this information to help assess your symptoms.

Gastroenteritis (stomach virus) is most often caused by a virus that is self limited and has no specific treatment. Most of these illnesses resolve in 2 to 5 days. Information below may help your symptoms.

Reasons to seek health care immediately (EMERGENCY DEPT OR UHC Urgent Care hours)

  1. Suspect dehydration from lack of intake, vomiting and/or diarrhea: dark and infrequent urination, dry mouth and eyes, lethargy, weakness, feeling faint.
  2. Fever over 102 that is not improved by Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®)
  3. Vomiting blood or bloody diarrhea
  4. Severe abdominal pain
  5. Neck pain and stiffness with forward flexion

Reasons to seek health care within 24 hours(make an appointment at UHC)

  1. Vomiting and/or diarrhea lasting longer than 48 hours
  2. Persisting abdominal pain
  3. Unable to resume drinking and eating

If none of the above, read self care information below to help your symptoms:

For vomiting

  • An hour or so after vomiting, try sips of clear liquid: water, sports drink, clear broth, tea.
  • If successful, gradually increase the quantity and frequency over the next 24 hours.
  • When appetite returns, try easily digested foods; pasta, rice, crackers, toast.
  • Return to your regular diet the following day if the above is well tolerated.
  • Over the counter medication may help: Emetrol® or Dramamine® (dimenhydrinate) and similar motion sickness medicine. Follow the label instructions

For diarrhea

  • Adjust your diet: lower quantities, avoid dairy products for a few days, avoid spicy and fried foods, drink plenty of fluids.
  • If diarrhea is very frequent (6 or more bowel movements in 24 hours) over the counter medication may help: Imodium® (loperamide) and generic forms. Follow the label instructions.

Self Care Guidelines