​Diarrhea

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 24 hours symptom free.