Diarrhoea and vomiting

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Feeling sick, vomiting and diarrhoea are usually the first signs that your child has a ‘tummy bug’.
Tummy bugs are extremely common in young children and are almost always caused by a virus. They are easily spread, resulting in outbreaks in nurseries and schools.
Avoid spreading the virus by washing your hands with soap and water after changing nappies. Keep toilets clean and don’t share towels.
Children must remain off nursery/school until 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting/diarrhoea.
Babies under 1 year of age are at more risk of becoming dehydrated when they have a tummy bug than older children, which is why it is important to make ensure that they are drinking enough.

What should you do?

Avoiding dehydration is important – give your baby/child extra fluids. Give your baby oral rehydration fluids in between feeds or after each watery stool. (These can be purchased over the counter at large supermarkets and pharmacies
and can help prevent dehydration from occurring) Little and often tends to work best – in hospital, babies are given 1 or 2 tablespoons (5-10 mls) of fluid to drink every 5-10 minutes. You can try using a syringe to give fluids to your child.
Do not stop giving your baby milk. If you are breastfeeding, continue doing so. If your child is on formula, do not dilute it.
Keep your child away from others, especially other children, until they are better.

How long will your child’s symptoms last?

Vomiting tends to last for 1-2 days, and diarrhoea tends to last for about 5 days.

If your child has any of the following:

Becomes difficult to rouse / unresponsive
Becomes pale and floppy
Is finding it difficult to breathe
Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)

You need urgent help.

You need urgent help go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

Seems dehydrated: ie. dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on baby’s head) or passing less urine than normal
Has blood in the stool (poo)
Has constant tummy pain
Has stopped drinking or breastfeeding
Is unable to keep down any fluids during this illness
Becomes lethargic or drowsy
Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature above 39°C / 102.2°F (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
If your child has diabetes, monitor their blood sugars closely
Has cold feet and hands

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today. Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 - dial 111

If none of the above features is present, most children with diarrhoea and / or vomiting can be safely managed at home.
(Please note that children younger than 1 year may become dehydrated more quickly. If your child appears otherwise well but you still have concerns, please contact your GP surgery or call NHS 111).

Most children with diarrhoea and / or vomiting get better very quickly, but some children can get worse. You need to regularly check your child and follow the advice given to you by your healthcare professional and / or as listed on this sheet.

Self care

Self Care - You can provide the care your child needs at home

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

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