Be especially careful about dehydration when diarrhea and vomiting occur at the same time. Long periods of diarrhea, or repeated episodes, can lead to dehydration. To avoid this, replace fluids lost through diarrhea. When diarrhea subsides, begin eating easily digested food such as rice, baked potatoes, bananas, toast, cooked cereal, applesauce, chicken, or turkey without skin. Avoid milk products and fried or fatty foods for one to two days.
Hand washing helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria that can cause diarrhea.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before meals. Food preparation precautions can reduce the source of bacteria and toxins that cause diarrhea. Always chill foods that could spoil. Cook meat thoroughly. Never place cooked meat on surfaces or plates that held raw meat.