Diarrhea

CONDITION:

Diarrea

EXCLUSION:

Exclude when the stool is watery or decreased in form and cannot be contained by diapers or controlled by toilet use, or if stool contains blood or mucus, or if accompanied by a fever.

PREVENTION:

Good hygiene; wash hands after any contact with stool

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Definded as several loose or water stools

Caused primarily by viruses

Can also be caused by bacterial infection, antibiotics, and certain foods

Most noninfectious diarrhea resolves without treatment within a few days

If mild diarrhea does not resolve within a few days, child should be seen by health care provider for stool culture to determine if diarrhea is infectious (see Infectious Diarrhea)

WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A CAREGIVER:

Helpful information:  Preventing Infection in a Child Care Setting


WHAT YOU CAN DO AS A PARENT:

Follow caregivers recommendations

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