As a result of an increase in cases of infectious gastrointestinal illness in the Kingston area, Southeast Public Health is reminding the public of steps to take when they are sick. This illness mainly affects the stomach and intestines and most often causes diarrhea.
Some common symptoms of illness include:
- diarrhea
- nausea (feeling sick to your stomach)
- vomiting
- stomach pain or cramps
- fever
- feeling very tired or weak
Stomach illnesses can spread very easily from person to person, but there are steps that can be taken to help minimize the spread of illness in our community. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, you should stay home when you are sick and for at least 48 hours after diarrhea has stopped. Do not go to work, school, childcare or recreational activities.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Hand sanitizer does not work well against some stomach illnesses. Hands should be washed before eating, cooking or feeding children and after using the toilet or changing diapers.
Stay out of pools or hot tubs if you have diarrhea, and wait two weeks after diarrhea has stopped before swimming again.
Contact a health-care provider if your symptoms are severe or diarrhea lasts for more than 48 hours.
Additional information about illnesses that can cause vomiting and diarrhea can be found on the Southeast Public Health website.
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Media contact:
Communications@SoutheastPH.ca
