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Diarrhea and Vomiting

Note: Recently food products have been recalled nationally due to salmonella, which can cause diarrhea and vomiting. If you experience diarrhea or vomiting, you may wish to consult your health care provider. To use UHS, see Appointment or Walk-in.

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Causes include:

  • Bacteria, viruses or parasites
  • Food poisoning
  • Consumption of irritating food, drink or medication
  • Pregnancy
  • Overeating or overdrinking (especially alcohol)
  • Stress or anxiety

Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes referred to as the 'stomach flu,' however influenza virus does not typically cause vomiting or diarrhea. Getting a flu shot does not protect you from the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea. (See Flu and Vaccination for more information).

Viral gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) can spread easily from person to person. With some viral gastroenteritis (e.g. norovirus), people are contagious from the moment they begin to feel ill until at least three days after recovery. Good hygiene is critical to break the chain of transmission (see Prevention). Transmission takes place by:

  • Touching contaminated objects then touching your mouth
  • Consuming drinks or food contaminated by ill food handlers
  • Having close contact with another person who is infected, for example by providing health care or sharing food or utensils

Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. People may feel very sick and vomit many times a day. Most people improve within three days. However, sometimes people become dehydrated and need medical attention. Dehydration is most serious for the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. See also When to Seek Medical Care.

Self-care for adults:

For vomiting, follow these instructions in order:

  1. Do not eat or drink anything for several hours after vomiting.
  2. Sip small amounts of water or suck ice chips every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours.
  3. Next sip clear liquids every 15 minutes for 3-4 hours. Examples include water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear broth, gelatin, flavored ice or apple juice. Do not drink citrus juices. Increase fluids as tolerated.
  4. When you can tolerate clear liquids for several hours without vomiting and if you're hungry, try eating small amounts of bland foods. Try foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, dry toast (these foods are called BRAT diet), soda crackers. For 24-48 hours after the last episode of vomiting, avoid foods that can irritate or may be difficult to digest such alcohol, caffeine, fats/oils, spicy food and dairy products
  5. When you can tolerage bland food, you can resume your normal diet.

Retake medications if vomiting occurs within 30 minutes of taking usual medication. If you vomited after taking oral contraceptive pills, use a back-up contraception method for the rest of the month.

If diarrhea is the only symptom, try Imodium, a non-prescription (over-the-counter) medication available at the UHS Pharmacy according to package directions. A normal diet may be followed after the passage of a soft, formed stool.

If you are sick in a Residence Hall, you can ask a friend or Resident Advisor to bring you food from the dining room. See Dining Services Special Services.

If you have questions or concerns about your food intake you may call the Dining Services dietician at 734-647-2614 or send email to eatsmart@umich.edu.

You may also request hand sanitizers for dry washing of hands in your room, plastic bags for soiled laundry or contaminated materials and disinfectant to clean contaminated surfaces in your room.

It's a good idea to let Housing staff and your parent/s know if you are ill. If possible, you may want to go home to recover.

If you are sick and work in food service, you should contact your supervisor before the start of your next shift.

When to seek medical care:  Anytime you experience vomiting, diarrhea or nausea and want to seek medical care, please do so. Following are situations when it is critical to seek medical care. See Further Information for how to get advice or medical care at UHS.

Seek medical care if:

  • You are unable to keep down liquids or food for more than 24 hours.
  • You have fever (101º F or 38.3º C or higher) with abdominal pain (may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea).
  • You have diarrhea for more than three days or without gradual improvement over 5 days.
  • You have signs of dehydration, for example dizziness, decreased urination (no urination at least every 8 hours) or severe fatigue.
  • You have bloody diarrhea.
  • You have abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting and/or diarrhea (that is, abdominal pain is unrelated to episodes of vomiting or diarrhea).
  • You have insulin-dependent diabetes and experience vomiting, diarrhea or nausea.
  • You are unable to take medications that you usually take.
  • You have recently traveled to a country that poses a health risk.

Prevention breaks the chain of transmission:

  • Clean your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after toilet visits and before eating.
  • Don't share eating utensils, drinking glasses, toothbrushes or other personal items.
  • Flush vomit and feces in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is clean.
  • Throughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces including doorknobs and faucets immediately after an episode of illness. Spray the area with a disinfectant cleaner (e.g. Lysol).
  • Wash soiled clothing or linens in hot water.
  • Place contaminated waste in a plastic bag, tie the bag and put it in a trash receptacle.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, if possible.

Further information:

If you are a currently enrolled UM student and wnat advice or medical care, contact UHS.

  • To visit UHS, see Appointment or Walk-in.
  • For advice when UHS is open, you may contact your clinician or Nurse Advice Line at 734-763-4511. For gynecological concerns, call the Gynecology Clinic at 734-763-9184.
  • For advice when UHS is closed: If your situation is not life-threatening but you have an urgent health concern that cannot wait until UHS opens, call our answering service at 734-662-5674.

UM faculty and staff may contact the UM Occupational Safety and Environmental Health at 734-647-1143.

Read more about viral gastroenteritis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.