https://kingstonhospital.nhs.uk/information/diarrhoea-and-vomiting-gastroenteritis-in-children
This is for anyone looking after a child with diarrhoea and vomiting (gastroenteritis).
Diarrhoea and vomiting is an infection of the gut which causes diarrhoea (watery, smelly poo), vomiting and tummy pain. Diarrhoea usually lasts up to 5 days and vomiting usually lasts up to 3 days.
If you are breastfeeding, continue to do so.
Encourage fluid intake, little and often. You can offer drinks via a straw or a medicine syringe, or via ice lollies.
Avoid fizzy drinks, fruit juices and dairy products.
Offer drinks such as Dioralyte which help to rehydrate them.
When they can drink without vomiting, try adding small amounts of bland solid food. For example a piece of banana or plain toast.
Contact your GP if you are concerned or you notice any of the following.
| If you are unable to make a GP appointment, go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E). |  |
Diarrhoea and vomiting is easily spread from one person to another. To prevent this, do the following.
Wash your (and your child’s) hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing, serving or eating food. Use soap and water because alcohol gel or alcohol handwash will not stop germs from spreading.
Avoid sharing towels and flannels.
Wash soiled clothes/bedding separately, at a temperature of 60 degrees.
Regularly clean the toilet at home with disinfectant or bleach.
Avoid sending your child to school, nursery or classes while they have diarrhoea and vomiting. They should only return after at least 48 hours since their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.
 NHS information on diarrhoea and vomiting in children www.nhs.uk/conditions/diarrhoea-and-vomiting/ |  |
| Your GP or pharmacy | |
| Paediatric Admin Team, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm |
020 8934 6403 khft@paediatricadmin@nhs.net |
| Translate | Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation. |
| Accessibility | Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 8934 3850 if you need this information in a different format. For information accessibility please visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust |
| Support services
www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk Switchboard 020 8546 7711 |
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Please speak to a member of staff before or during your visit to the hospital if you require translation support to access Patient Information. Please ring the phone number on your appointment letter, if you have one.
Please contact the Patient Experience Team on 020 893 3850 if you need this information in a different format.
For detailed information on accessibility at Kingston Hospital visit Kingston Hospital AccessAble (https://www.accessable.co.uk/kingston-hospital-nhs-foundation-trust).
Visit the hospital website, ask a member of staff, or ring us for details.