Symptoms may vary between individuals, and may include:

• Loose, watery stool
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite

Diarrhoea and sickness are commonly caused by viral infections, such as the winter Norovirus, or due to food poisoning from bacterial contamination.

Common reasons for infection/contamination include:

• Eating inadequately cooked or raw meat
• Eggs, meat and dairy products that are inappropriately stored or inadequately refrigerated
• Food washed in dirty water
• Contact with contaminated objects or surfaces
• Poor hand hygiene
• Drinking contaminated water –less common in the UK but prevalent in developing countries
• Emotional upset
• Excess alcohol, caffeine or sweets

• Fluid replenishment to prevent dehydration. If required, re-hydration drinks may be advised by your GP or pharmacist to restore lost fluid and electrolytes.
• Anti-diarrhoea medication can relieve symptoms, and minimise discomfort and interruption of daily activities.
• You are advised to return to work 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea and sickness

Contact your GP if:

• Diarrhoea  has not ceased after four days
• Vomiting continues for more than one day and you are unable to keep fluids down
• You find blood or mucus in your stool
• You are showing signs of moderate to severe dehydration, including a dry mouth, confusion, irritability, muscle cramps and reduced urinary output

• Maintaining good hand hygiene at all times by washing your hands with soap after going to the toilet, playing with pets and gardening, as well as before handling food and drinks, is the best method for preventing diarrhoea and sickness
• Store raw and cooked foods separately
• Refrigerate food sufficiently
• Ensure food is cooked thoroughly

BUPA (2008) Gastroenteritis in Adults.

Health Encyclopedia (2008) Diarrhoea. NHS Direct.

Health Encyclopedia (2008) Gastroenteritis. NHS Direct.