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How to prevent exhaustion from severe vomiting and diarrhea?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My whole family has been facing violent vomiting and diarrhea since my cousin's wedding reception two days ago. I cannot keep anything down, not even water. My 4-year-old is crying from stomach pain, and my husband passed out in the bathroom earlier. My mother-in-law is calling it "norovirus". We have gone through all our towels and sheets from accidents.

  1. How do we stop this nightmare?

  2. We have bathroom trips every 20 minutes. Is this dangerous for kids?

  3. Do we need IV fluids or something?

Please explain what is attacking our bodies and how to prevent spreading it more in our house. I am exhausted, but someone has to care for everyone.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Norovirus is a highly contagious, self-limiting infection. It can spread to all the members of a household with a single source of infection. Dehydration can be serious if water intake is not maintained.

Signs of severe dehydration:

1. Lethargy or less activity than usual.

2. Pale and sunken eyes.

3. Cold hands or feet.

4. Faster breathing and heart rate.

5. Irritability, drowsiness, or confusion.

6. Dark yellow pee or less frequent urination.

7. Reduced skin elasticity.

If any of these signs are seen in any family member, please go to the ER (emergency room).

Advice:

1. Take ORS (oral rehydration solution), increase fluid intake, and avoid sugary drinks.

2. Take Antiemetics like Ondansetron for vomiting and Imodium for diarrhea.

3. Take antispasmodic like Cyclopam.

4. Eat easy-to-digest food items like rice, soup, toast, and fruits.

5. Take yogurt to maintain normal gut flora.

Preventive measures:

Maintaining adequate hygiene, such as washing hands, cooking meat and vegetables properly, and cleaning food properly before cooking. Disinfecting areas contaminated with norovirus is crucial due to the virus's highly contagious nature. It can be done by following the steps-

1. Clean the surface first:

Wear gloves: Always use disposable gloves to protect yourself and others from exposure.

Clean the area: Before disinfecting, clean the surface with soap and water to remove visible dirt and debris.

2. Use a suitable disinfectant: Bleach solution: You can use a diluted bleach solution (1/3 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water). Ensure the solution is fresh and the area is well-ventilated when applying.

3. Apply the disinfectant: Ensure the disinfectant sits on the surface for the required time (usually five to ten minutes) to effectively kill the virus.

4. Wipe down surfaces: After allowing the disinfectant to sit for the recommended time, wipe down the surface with clean paper towels or disposable cloths.

5. Launder contaminated fabrics, including clothing, bedding, or towels: Wash any contaminated fabrics in hot water at least 140°F or 60°C with a good detergent. Add bleach if it is safe for the fabric.

6. Dispose of gloves and materials properly: Dispose of gloves and paper towels after cleaning, and dispose of all disposable materials in a sealed trash bag to prevent further contamination.

7. Wash your hands.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me assist you further.

Thank you.

Answered byDr. Reema Wankar

Medically reviewed byDr. K. Shobana

Published At June 6, 2025
Reviewed AtJune 20, 2025

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