What should you know about a sickness vomiting bug?

People often use “vomiting bug” for gastroenteritis, an irritation or infection of the stomach and bowel. Food poisoning can cause a similar pattern, particularly when symptoms begin after eating contaminated food. Rotavirus infection is another possible cause, especially in young children.

Vomiting is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. A migraine may bring nausea and vomiting with head pain or sensitivity to light. Gallstones or pancreatitis may cause vomiting alongside significant upper abdominal pain. Meningitis can include vomiting with a severe headache, stiff neck, unusual drowsiness, or sensitivity to light.

Most short-lived stomach illnesses improve with rest and fluid replacement, but ongoing vomiting can lead to dehydration. Watch for a dry mouth, very dark urine, passing urine less often, dizziness when standing, or unusual weakness.

Rest and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If drinking triggers vomiting, pause briefly and try again with smaller amounts. An oral rehydration solution can replace water and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhoea; follow the product instructions when preparing it.

When fluids stay down, gradually return to plain, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bread, soup, or bananas. Avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen nausea. Wash your hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food for other people while unwell, and clean contaminated surfaces because infectious vomiting illnesses can spread.

Do not give children or adults anti-vomiting medicine without checking that it is suitable for their age, health conditions, and other medicines. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and people with diabetes or kidney disease may need earlier advice because dehydration can become a concern sooner.

Seek urgent medical help for blood or coffee-ground material in vomit, green vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, or inability to keep even small sips of fluid down. Vomiting with a severe headache, stiff neck, a new rash, or marked drowsiness also needs urgent assessment.

Arrange medical advice if vomiting continues, keeps returning, or is accompanied by signs of dehydration, high fever, persistent diarrhoea, or weight loss. Get advice promptly for a baby, frail older person, pregnant person, or anyone with a long-term condition or reduced immune system.

Ask what may be causing the vomiting, how much fluid you should try to take, whether an oral rehydration product is appropriate, and which warning signs should prompt urgent review. Tell the clinician when it began, how often you have vomited, whether you have diarrhoea or pain, what you have eaten, and whether anyone else is ill.