Symptoms of the vomiting bug

Viral gastroenteritis can inflame the stomach and bowel, while food poisoning can produce a similar pattern after contaminated food or drink. Rotavirus infection is another possible cause, particularly in children. Vomiting can also occur with migraine, gallstones or pancreatitis, which may bring distinctive headache or abdominal pain. Meningitis is uncommon but urgent when vomiting occurs with severe headache, stiff neck, confusion or a rash. The symptom alone cannot identify the cause.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting follows a sip, pause briefly and try again more slowly. When fluids stay down, choose simple foods as tolerated and rest. Wash hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food for others while ill, and clean contaminated surfaces. Do not give anti-vomiting medicine to a child unless a clinician has advised it. A vomiting symptom guide may help you track changes.

Seek urgent care for blood or green material in vomit, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a stiff neck, confusion, a new rash, fainting or breathing difficulty. Get prompt advice when the person cannot keep fluids down, passes very little urine, has a dry mouth or becomes unusually sleepy. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and those with long-term illnesses can become dehydrated more quickly.

Ask what fluid plan is suitable, whether medicine is appropriate, and which symptoms would change the urgency. Tell the clinician when vomiting began, how often it occurs, associated diarrhoea or pain, recent food exposure and any medicines taken.