What can be done to prevent the condition?

Many cases cannot be prevented. Safe food handling techniques can prevent cases due to food poisoning. Frequent hand washing and avoiding people with diarrhea can help prevent the spread of infections that cause this condition. Avoiding lead can prevent cases due to lead poisoning.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

The main risk of this condition is dehydration. If the fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea cannot be replaced, dehydration can be severe. Death may even occur. This is a common occurrence in developing nations. Occasionally, a condition known as the hemolytic uremic syndrome may occur after an infection. This condition may cause kidney damage. Most people recover within a few days and have no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

Cases due to an infection are often contagious. Other causes pose little risk to others.