1.I'm travelling to  village for a field job,what precautions should I take to avoid diarrhoea?

• consume only purified mineral water,or boiled and filtered water

• make sure your hands are washed before and after handling eatables

• do not use canned foods after the expiry date

• consume only fresh and hygienic foods

• always carry an ors packet and antibiotics just in case.

2.I'm having diarrhoea for the last 2 days ,when can I start on solid foods

• take your antibiotics for at least 2 days

• if you start passing well formed stools at a nomal frequency then you can start on solid foods

3.My 2 week old baby has had 2 episodes of vomitting ,should I stop breast feeding her?

• no do not stop breast feeding

• ensure the child has burped after every feed

• use a teaspoon and keep the baby upright

4.How do I prepare ors at home?

•  When ORS is not present ,(HAF) Home available fluids or (HAS) Home available solutions

such as rice water or tender coconut or fresh juice can be administered.

5. Can the ORS solution be stored?   

• Generally a made-up solution should be covered and not kept for more than 24 hours, due to the risk of bacteriological contamination. Packets of ORS should be stored carefully and not kept in temperatures of over 30 degree C or in conditions of high humidity. Where the ingredients to make up ORS are being stored in bulk the glucose/sucrose should be kept apart from the rest of the dry ingredients.

6.What should be done if the child vomits?  

• Vomiting does not usually prevent the therapy from being successful. Mothers must be taught to persist in giving ORS solution, even though this requires time and patience. They should give regular, small sips of fluid. Giving ORT reduces nausea and vomiting and restores the appetite through correction of acidosis and potassium losses.