Vomiting and diarrhoea related to pathogens is usually self-limiting, with symptoms subsiding after one or two days.

The public is advised to seek medical advice if:9,31

·       the illness lasts for more than a few days;

·       the general condition worsens or does not start improving within 48 hours;

·       vomiting is severe, or is causing dehydration;

·       there is persistent fever;

·       abdominal distension is present;

·       there is blood in the stools or diarrhoea contains yellow/green mucus;

·       the patient is at increased risk eg elderly, an infant, pregnant or in ill-health.

Persistent and prolonged vomiting in people with diabetes should be referred to the GP, especially if the patient is using insulin, due to the effect on blood sugar levels.32