Most stomach bugs can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, and not sharing cups, vape pens, or other items used by mouth. It is also important to clean surfaces where food is prepared or where people frequently get exposed to body fluids, such as bathrooms.
Symptoms Include:
Gastroenteritis is a very contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, a low-grade fever can be present. Abdominal pain in the form of “cramping” can occur, but severe abdominal pain is unusual.
When To Stay Home
Since these viruses are highly contagious, it is recommended to stay home until all symptoms (including vomiting and diarrhea) have passed. Fortunately, the “stomach bug” symptoms do not usually last more than 48 hours.
Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms do not typically require medical attention.
When To Be Seen
If you have a fever, worsening abdominal pain or abdominal pain that starts localizing to one area of the abdomen, bloody diarrhea, frequent vomiting and unable to hold down any fluids at all, dizziness/lightheadedness (may signal dehydration), fast heart rate (may also signal dehydration), or symptoms that persist for more than 48 hours. Call Deacon Health at 336.758.5218 to speak with an on-call nurse, a personal health care provider, or an Urgent Care or emergency healthcare facility.
At-Home Treatments
- Wait at least one hour after an upset stomach before eating. Once your stomach is ready, follow a bland diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, toast/crackers) and avoid anything spicy or greasy. Slowly increase the diet as the symptoms improve.
- Limit citrus or tomato-based foods, and avoid alcohol or other substances.
- Avoid milk and dairy products, except for yogurt with live cultures.
- Avoid using anti-diarrheal medications such as Imodium, as this may prolong the symptoms.
- Hydrating with clear liquids such as water, Gatorade, diluted apple juice, Sprite, and ginger ale are highly recommended.
- Wash your hands with hot water and soap after using the restroom to prevent the spread of infection. Hand sanitizer may not be effective in killing the virus that causes gastrointestinal symptoms. Do not prepare food for others until you have been well for at least two days.
Limiting The Spread
- The most effective way to stop the spread is to practice good handwashing and personal hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before eating, using the bathroom, or after handling any items that have been touched by someone who is ill.
- Get adequate rest and hydration.
- Do not share food or beverages with others.
- Follow safe food handling practices, including:
- Cook food to proper temperatures.
- Refrigerate perishable food within 2 hours (1 hour when the temperature is above 90 °F).
- Discard any food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the temperature was above 90°F).
- Use most cooked leftovers within 3 to 4 days.
- See more food safety guidelines.
Cleaning after being sick with a stomach bug
(As a reminder, custodial staff do not clean individual students’ rooms):
- Clean high-touch items, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, remote controls, and appliance handles, with wipes or cleaners with active ingredients that include hydrogen peroxide or hypochlorous acid (examples include Clorox, Lysol, Purell). Wipe down countertops, tables, and other hard surfaces. Note: Please do not flush wipes.
- Laundry: Wash bedding, towels, and clothing of the sick person in HOT water, and add a cup of white vinegar.
- Bathroom: Scrub sinks, counters, toilet seats and toilet handle.
- Remove contaminated paper waste and wipes in a sealed trash bag.
Name Brand Cleaners
- Lysol Disinfectant Spray (Contains ethanol and/or quaternary ammonium compounds in some formulations)
- Lysol Power & Free Multi-Purpose Cleaner (Hydrogen peroxide)
- Purell Multi-Surface Disinfectant (Ethanol-based)
- OdoBan Disinfectant and Cleaner (Quaternary ammonium compounds)
- Microban 24 Hour Cleaner & Sanitizer (Quaternary ammonium compounds)