What is it?
- Diarrhea means there are frequent, loose or liquid stools (feces)
- There may be abdominal pain or cramping
- It is a common problem that usually goes away on its own
How do you get it?
- Gastroenteritis- it could be viruses such as Norovirus or Rotavirus which can be swallowed in food or drink
- Stress
- Sometimes treatment with an antibiotic
- Alcohol (excessive amounts)
- Intestinal (bowel) diseases or disorders
- Food intolerances (allergies), for example, people who are unable to digest a component of food such as lactose in milk
- Food poisoning- it could be bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter
Treatment & Precautions
- Ask yourself whether this is due to stress, food related, medicines or alcohol
- Drink a lot of fluids, using rehydration solutions (such as Pedialyte) to replace lost fluid and salt
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet
- Do not prepare food for other people, especially babies and old people
- Do not go to work if you work in childcare, healthcare or food service
When to Seek Medical Attention
- After a few days acute diarrhea does not go away
- The diarrhea is severe or bloody
- The patient is elderly (over 80) or very young (under 2)
A child in daycare/school is to be excluded from daycare/school until 48 hours since last diarrhea bowel movement
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