|
|
University Health
Services
PrincetonUniversity
McCosh Health Center
Princeton, NJ 08544
Tel 609-258-3141, 609-258-3139
|
|
PrincetonUniversity
Gastroenteritis (stomach/intestinal flu)
self-care tips
Since the beginning of February, we have been seeing a large
number of gastroenteritis (stomach/intestinal flu) cases at
Princeton University Health Services. Fifty-three (53)
students have been admitted to the Inpatient Services to
date (2/14/02). We are providing the following information
in the best interest of the health of the campus
community.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, the irritation and inflammation of the
stomach and small and large intestines, can be severe and
unpleasant, and can result in a loss of essential fluid and
nutrients from the body. The symptoms of gastroenteritis can
include:
• abdominal cramps
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• weakness
• fever or chills
• headache
• dehydration
If signs of dehydration (crinkled skin, dry mouth, excess
thirst or absence of urination for more than six hours)
appear, University Health Services, 258-3141 or
258-3139, should be consulted as soon as possible.
University Health Services should also be consulted if any
of the following occur:
• symptoms persisting for more than 48 hours
• mucus or blood in stools
• fever over 101 degrees
• severe abdominal or rectal pain
• vomiting and diarrhea after being treated
In general, the symptoms begin 1 to 2 days following
infection with a virus that causes gastroenteritis and may
last for 1 to 10 days, depending on which virus causes the
illness. The current Princeton illness typically begins with
a headache and lasts only 24 hours. Gastroenteritis is often
called the "stomach flu," although it is not caused by the
influenza viruses.
Typically gastroenteritis is not a serious illness and is
short in duration. However, gastroenteritis is a serious
illness for persons who are unable to drink enough fluids to
replace what they lose through vomiting or diarrhea. In such
cases, it is best to consult Princeton University Health
Services. Since it's sometimes hard to leave your residence
during a bout with an upset stomach, the triage nurses (who
are available for consultation over the phone 24 hours a day
at 258-3141 or 258-3139) can serve as great
resources. You can also call Public Safety at 258-3134 for a
ride to McCosh Health Center.
Gastroenteritis can be prevented!
Gastroenteritis is very contagious and can be easily
passed from one person to another. It is possible to reduce
the chance of getting infected by engaging in frequent hand
washing, especially when preparing food and after bowel
movements. Hand washing after bowel movements is important
since the organism that causes this condition lives in the
digestive tract. Also, food and drink should not be shared
with others.
Self-care tips:
A person with gastroenteritis will not want to do
anything much other than stay in bed and pay frequent visits
to the bathroom, and so will need looking after. It is most
important to keep drinking to replace the fluid that is
lost. There are a few additional things that you can do to
make yourself feel better. Give these a try:
• decrease activity until vomiting and diarrhea
subside
• do not eat or drink anything for a few hours when the
symptoms begin, then begin sips of clear fluids such as
ginger ale, broth, tea and gelatin for the first 24 hours or
until diarrhea and vomiting stop
• 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,
milk or other dairy products, fried foods, candy or
alcohol
• drink 8 to 12 glasses of liquid daily, to prevent
dehydration through diarrhea or vomiting as the initial
symptoms subside
• take non-aspirin medications (e.g.,
Tylenol/acetaminophen) for fever, headache and aches. Avoid
aspirin and ibuprofen since these medications may irritate
the gastrointestinal system
Please call Princeton University Health Services for
questions, concerns and medical assistance at
258-3141 or 258-3139 24 hours a day for
assistance.
Pamela Bowen, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Princeton University Health Services
|