Medicine
- You may use acetaminophen or NSAID medicines, such as ibuprofen or naproxen to control fever, unless another medicine is prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, or ever had a stomach ulcer or digestive bleeding, talk with your doctor before using these medicines. Aspirin should never be used in anyone under 18 years of age who is ill with a fever. It may cause severe liver damage. Don't increase your NSAID medicines if you are already taking these medicines for another condition, such as arthritis. Don't use NSAIDs if you are on aspirin. For example, if you take aspirin for heart disease or after a stroke.
- If medicines for diarrhea or vomiting are prescribed, take only as directed.
General care and preventing spread of the illness
- If symptoms are bad, rest at home for the next 24 hours or until you feel better.
- Wash your hands with soap and clean, running water for at least 20 seconds. It is the best way to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sick or a surface with the virus on it.
- Teach all people in your home when and how to wash their hands. Wet your hands with clean, running water. Lather soap on the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need a timer, try humming the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice. Rinse your hands well and dry using a clean towel.
- Wash your hands after using the toilet, touching animals, coughing or sneezing, preparing meals, and before eating meals.
- Clean the toilet after each use.
- Caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol can make your diarrhea, cramping, and pain worse. Consider having less or giving up these things until you have recovered.
Diet
- Water and clear liquids are important so you don't get dehydrated. Drink a small amount at a time.
- Don't force yourself to eat, especially if you have cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea. When you finally decide to start eating, don't eat large amounts at a time, even if you are hungry.
- If you eat, don't have fatty, greasy, spicy, or fried foods.
- Don't eat dairy products if you have diarrhea. They can make the diarrhea worse.
During the first 24 hours (the first full day), follow the diet below
- Beverages. Water, clear liquids, soft drinks without caffeine, mineral water (plain or flavored), and decaffeinated tea and coffee.
- Soups. Clear broth, consommé, and bouillon. Sports drinks aren't a good choice because they have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes. In this case, use products called oral rehydration solutions.
- Desserts. Plain gelatin, ice pops, and fruit juice bars.
During the next 24 hours (the second day)
During the second day, you may add to the above list if you are better. If not, continue what you did the first day.
- Hot cereal, plain toast, bread, rolls, or crackers
- Plain noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or chicken noodle or rice soup
- Unsweetened canned fruit and bananas. Don't eat pineapple or citrus.
- Limit caffeine and chocolate. No spices or seasonings except salt.
During the next 24 hours
- Gradually go back to a normal diet, as you feel better and your symptoms improve.
- If at any time your symptoms start getting worse, go back to clear liquids until you feel better.