This post has been archived. Information below may be out of date and/or relate to a past event.
This week, Winslow Health Center has received numerous phone calls from students reporting symptoms of gastroenteritis (stomach/intestinal flu). Gastroenteritis, the irritation and inflammation of the stomach and small/large intestines, can be severe and result in a loss of essential fluid and nutrients from the body. Symptoms include: abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, fever or chills, headache, and dehydration.
The Health Center should be called (814-332-4355) if any of the following occur: symptoms persisting for more than 48 hours; mucus or blood in stools; fever over 101 degrees; or severe abdominal or rectal pain. Gastroenteritis is very contagious and can be spread easily from one person to another. Reduce the chance of getting infected with frequent hand washing. Food and drink should not be shared with others.
Self-care tips:
- Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours after the vomiting stops. Begin sips of clear fluids such as ginger ale, broth, tea and gelatin for the first 24 hours.
- Decrease activity until vomiting and diarrhea subside.
- Eat bland foods for the second 24 hours, such as crackers, rice, eggs, soup, bread, bananas, applesauce or cooked cereal.
- Do not consume spicy foods, vegetables, fruits, bran, dairy products, fried foods, candy or alcohol.
- Drink 8 to 12 glasses of liquid daily to prevent dehydration.
- Take non-aspirin medication for fever, headache and body aches.