Gastrointestinal (GI) Illness

Viral gastrointestinal illnesses, including norovirus, are more likely to spread in communal settings like residence halls. They can be passed through inadequate handwashing, direct person-to-person contact, contaminated surfaces, or via contaminated food (like raw shellfish). Symptoms most commonly include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. They can also include body aches, chills, fever, headaches, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of exposure and last an additional 24 to 48 hours.

Illness Prevention:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom and before eating meals or snacks. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as soap and water for gastrointestinal virus transmission.

• Avoid touching your face or mouth.

• Disinfect high touch items and surfaces in your living area with bleach wipes.

• To stop the spread of illness, stay at home if you experience symptoms. If you need to miss class, consult with faculty to make the proper arrangements.

 Treatment:

•    Fatigue is common, so rest and remaining hydrated is critical.

•    Hydrate by drinking sips of water, ice chips, fruit juice with water, broth, and low-calorie sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, and sugary drinks.

• You should be able to resume a normal diet within a few days. In the meantime, slowly reintroduce food to your diet once you start to feel better. Try small meals that include bland foods. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) is a good start. After a few days, add simple carbohydrates, plain pasta, broth-based soups, and fruits back to your diet.

 Recovery:

• Although symptoms typically resolve in two to four days, the virus may remain active. If possible, continue to isolate from others for 48 hours after symptoms have completely stopped to decrease transmission to others. 

• Continue thoroughly cleaning high touch surfaces with products that contain bleach, while wearing disposable gloves. Bleach and disposable gloves can be purchased at most major retailers.

• Maintain frequent and vigorous hand washing with soap and water.

• If you live on campus and experience symptoms, you can fill out a work order for a thorough disinfection of the area restroom.

 Stay Informed

• For more information please visit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.
• If you have questions, you may contact Stonehill College Health Services by phone at 508-565-1307 or via email at Health-Services@stonehill.edu.