What a week!

I have just recovered from vomiting and diarrhea. I got it since Monday. Trust me, you don’t want to go through this (forgive me if it sounds gross but that’s what happened):

First day: Vomited several times 8-10 times.
Second day: Diarrhea, 7-8 times. Mainly watery stools. Completely knocked out. Took a 3-hour nap.
Third day: Diarrhea, 3-4 times. Vomited once.
Forth day: Diarrhea once.
Fifth day: Hooray, solid stools. Started to crave for foods.

Sounds bad huh? There’s more.

The illness caused by viral infection is contagious. My daughter got it. My son got it. My wife got it. One word: the whole family got it.

My wife was the strongest. She had the least symptoms.

On the first night after we discovered that our son threw up several times in a day, we rushed to see a pediatrician. Got some pointers from the doc.

Since my whole family had vomiting and diarrhea for almost a week, let me share with you what to do when you're caught in the same situation (hopefully not).

Tips on dealing with a child who experiences vomiting and diarrhea

• The main thing to watch out for is to prevent dehydration. The solution is to take Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) throughout the day. Not gobbled up at once.

• To prevent further vomiting, feed your child in smaller portions, spread over a period of time.

• Once the watery stools have subsided, it’s time to get back to normal. As my wife said, “It’s a good detox.”

• Prevent your child from mixing with people, even adults. The illness spreads. Some people around us start to have the symptoms already.

• Be patient with your child. Nobody wants this to happen. Give him love and care that he needs.

As for me, I was stubborn and I didn’t see a doctor. But I made sure that I took ORS. After the third day, I started to feel better. I will not try to stop the vomiting and diarrhea. It’s good to recover naturally, if you can take the discomfort.

Please note that besides vomiting and diarrhea, you'll feel lethargic, dizzy, and low appetite. But you don't experience the excruciating pains of food poisoning. 

For more info, here’s a good read: Vomiting and Diarrhea: Helping Your Child Through Sickness.

I like this part: 

Should I give my child medicine to stop diarrhea?

This usually isn't needed. Diarrhea doesn't usually last long. If it's caused by an infection, diarrhea is a way for the body to get rid of the infection. Giving medicines that stop diarrhea may interfere with the body's efforts to heal. Antibiotics are usually not necessary either. Talk to your family doctor if you think your child needs medicine.

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