This site is intended for Healthcare Professionals only

You’re doing great.  (0% complete)

quiz close icon

module menu icon Self-care advice

Self-care advice

General advice for customers includes:4

  • Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids (small sips can help if feeling nauseous)
  • Paracetamol can be taken for pain if appropriate
  • Babies should still be breast or bottle fed - it may be better to give smaller feeds more frequently
  • Babies on formula or solid foods should be given sips of water between feeds (but formula should NOT be diluted)
  • Avoid fruit juice or fizzy drinks as they can make diarrhoea worse

To avoid spreading any infection:

  • Good personal hygiene (handwashing after going to the toilet and before eating), careful preparation of food and drinking clean water all help to prevent infection
  • Any clothing or bedding soiled with faeces/vomit should be washed separately in a hot wash
  • Surfaces such as toilet seats, taps and door handles should be cleaned daily (and then hands thoroughly washed)
  • Don't share towels or cutlery, and don't prepare food for others if affected
  • Don't use a swimming pool for two weeks after an infection

Mini Quiz

How many hours after diarrhoea and/or vomiting has stopped can someone return to school/work?

12 24 48

Incorrect this time. Try again or click 'next' below to continue. Retry

Incorrect this time. Try again or click 'next' below to continue. Retry

Correct. Well done! Click 'next' below to continue your learning.

Change privacy settings