Community advice as vomiting, diarrhoea and respiratory illness circulates

With vomiting, diarrhoea and respiratory illness (flu-like symptoms) continuing to circulate in the community, NHS Western Isles is advising those with the illness to stay at home for 48 hours to prevent the illness spreading.

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in adults, children and babies and are often caused by a stomach bug.  Whilst both should stop within 7 days (diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days, whilst vomiting usually stops in 1 or 2 days), both illnesses are spread easily.

The advice is the same if you have diarrhoea, vomiting and respiratory illness together or separately. All can usually be treated at home. The most important thing is to take lots of fluids to avoid dehydration.

What you should do:

• Stay at home and get plenty of rest – do not attend nursery, school or visit hospitals or care homes.
• Drink lots of fluids, such as water or squash – take small sips if you feel sick.
• Carry on breast or bottle feeding your baby – if they are being sick, try giving small feeds more often than usual.
• Give babies on formula or solid foods small sips of water between feeds.
• Eat when you feel able to – it may help to avoid foods that are fatty or spicy.
• Take paracetamol if you are in discomfort – check its information leaflet before giving to your child.

What you should not do:

• Do not have fruit juice or fizzy dinks – they can make diarrhoea worse.
• Do not make baby formula weaker – use it at its usual strength.
• Do not give children under 12 medicine to stop diarrhoea.
• Do not give aspirin to children under 16.

Isabell MacInnes, NHS Western Isles Health Protection Nurse, said “We would advise staying off school or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 48 hours/2 days.  If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.” 

To help avoid spreading an infection:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
• Wash any clothing or bedding that has poo or vomit on it separately on a hot wash.
• Clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day.
• Do not prepare food for other people, if possible.
• Do not share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils.
• Do not use a swimming pool until at least 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

Isabell continued, “Unfortunately, the outbreak of infection is ongoing and continuing to affect children and adults.  We also have some children who are unwell for a second time and a small number being admitted to hospital.  It is important to remember what is minor cold for one child, can be something far more serious for another”

Parents/Carers are also advised that for other than teething, if administering Calpol, etc. to please keep their child home, as this may be a further indication that they are not well enough to attend nursery/school. 

We thank you for your continued support in helping to reduce the spread of infection within our community.