Discharge Plan

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

 Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach and intestines.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
 Call emergency for any of the following:
 -You have trouble breathing or a very fast pulse.

Seek care immediately if:

  You see blood in your diarrhea.
  You cannot stop vomiting.
  You have not urinated for 12 hours.
  You feel like you are going to faint.

Contact your healthcare provider if:

  You have a fever.
  You continue to vomit or have diarrhea, even after treatment.
  You see worms in your diarrhea.
  Your mouth or eyes are dry.
 You are not urinating as much or as often.
  You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:
  Medicines may be given to stop vomiting or diarrhea, decrease abdominal cramps, or
treat an infection.
  Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your
medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any
medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts,
and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry
your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Manage your symptoms:

  Drink liquids as directed. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each
day, and which liquids are best for you. You may also need to drink an oral rehydration
solution (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of sugar, salt, and minerals in water to
replace body fluids.
  Eat bland foods. When you feel hungry, begin eating soft, bland foods. Examples are
bananas, clear soup, potatoes, and applesauce. Do not have dairy products, alcohol, sugary
drinks, or drinks with caffeine until you feel better.
  Rest as much as possible. Slowly start to do more each day when you begin to feel
better.

Prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

  Gastroenteritis can spread easily. Keep yourself, your family, and your surroundings clean
to help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:
  Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the

bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat
food.
 Clean surfaces and do laundry often. Wash your clothes and towels
separately from the rest of the laundry. Clean surfaces in your home with
antibacterial cleaner or bleach.
 Clean food thoroughly and cook safely. Wash raw vegetables before you
cook. Cook meat, fish, and eggs fully. Do not use the same dishes for raw
meat as you do for other foods. Refrigerate any leftover food immediately.

 Be aware when you camp or travel. Drink only clean water. Do not drink
from rivers or lakes unless you purify or boil the water first. When you travel,
drink bottled water and do not add ice. Do not eat fruit that has not been
peeled. Do not eat raw fish or meat that is not fully cooked.