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Vomiting & Diarrhea

Most stomach bugs are self-limited misery: 24–48 hours of vomiting or diarrhea that needs fluids more than medicine. The medical question is never the vomiting itself — it's whether hydration is keeping up.

Managing at home

Small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution beat large gulps that bounce. Reintroduce bland food as tolerated. For children, the AAP-endorsed approach is steady oral rehydration — juice and sports drinks are second-best to proper electrolyte solutions.

Urgent care when

Symptoms pass 24–48 hours without improvement, oral fluids won't stay down, there's fever with significant abdominal pain, or moderate dehydration signs appear (dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth). Clinics can give anti-nausea medication and IV fluids that break the cycle.

ER when

Blood in vomit or stool, severe or localized abdominal pain (especially right-lower), confusion, fainting, no urination for 8+ hours, or any serious dehydration sign in an infant.

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General health-services information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.