Consumption of irritating food, drink or medication
Pregnancy
Overeating or overdrinking (especially alcohol)
Psychological factors such as stress
Although commonly referred to as the 'stomach flu,' the influenza
virus does not commonly cause vomiting or diarrhea,
and receiving 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)
is of particular concern because it can spread easily
from person to person through feces and vomit. 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 direct 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 one
or two 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.
Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the last episode of vomiting. Then sip water or suck ice chips
for 3-4 hours, every 15 minutes.
Next sip clear liquids for 3-4 hours, every 15 minutes, including gelatin, water, sports drinks, flat soda, clear
broth, flavored ice, or apple juice. Do not drink citrus juices. Increase fluids as tolerated.
After 12 hours, try eating small amounts of bland foods, such as rice, dry toast, soda crackers, applesauce. Avoid
alcohol, caffeine, fats/oils, spicy food and dairy products for 24-48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or
diarrhea.
After bland food is tolerated, resume your normal diet, as tolerated.
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 6 hours.
You have fever (101 degrees or higher) with abdominal pain (may include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea).
You have diarrhea for more than 2 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 have a history of cancer, chemotherapy, ulcerative colitits or Crohn's disease and experience vomiting,
diarrhea or nausea.
You are unable to take medications that you usually take.
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).
Immediately 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.
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.
