Sick Child - Milwaukee,WI

Lots of fluids: juice, water, sports drink, maybe some sprite. My son's like a mix of sprint and sports drink when they feel like this. The sprite helps with the upset stomach.

Let him eat pretty much whatever he wants. I try to offer healthy foods, but when they're feeling like this, anything goes. Pretzels and saltines do tend to be the first ones they want if they've been puking.

Lots of fluids! If he's not up for much else, let him watch tv. There's really not much you can do except let it run it's course. It will leave his system soon, and he'll be fine in a couple of days.

Hope he feels better soon.

It could be either of those or just a bad round of roto-virus. How old is your child?

It could be neither it could just be coincidence. There are lots of types of gastrointestinal illnesses out there.

Lake water can do it. Vacation can do it when you eat something that isnt in your normal diet. He may have picked up a bacteria anywhere along the line and not necessarily from the animals. There's a flu going around in my area here in CA, so it could very well be coincedental. If there's no fever, I'd treat the diarrhea like you normally would. Since he's had the runs since Thursday I'm sure your phone call from the doc will give you the advice you really need.

Lots of fluids. ORT (oral rehydration therapy) is best. Aim for something with a little bit of sugar, a little bit of salt, and a whole lot of water. Electrolyte solutions are good. You can also water juice way down and add a pinch of salt. Be careful of some of the sports drinks that have way too much sugar and salt: many of them need to be watered down as well. Encourage frequent small sips.

Do *not* give him any medications to suppress diarrhea. Most of those medications are on the WHO list of "useless and dangerous" medications.

If he hasn't urinated for a long time or his urine is *very* dark and smelly, consider going to ER. If his skin starts losing elasticity, go to the Emergency Room immediately, or call 911.

Since it's been going on for so long, it might be wise for the Dr to take a stool sample and test for parasites or bacteria. Giardia would be the first thing I'd suggest checking for. These can all be treated pretty easily, but exact identification is important.

In the meantime, stick with food that's easy on his tummy and keep him hydrated. If he starts showing signs of significant dehydration, get to the ER immediately.

Good luck. Hope he feels better soon.

It could be from the lake water or it could be going around. I would make sure that you give him plenty of fluids. Gatorade or powerade is good to keep the body hydrated. I would say that unfortunately it will take its time to pass through his body. The BRAT diet is good. Bananas,rice apples and toast. It is a virus and there is not much else that you can do.

Dehydration would be a MAJOR concern to me right now. Make sure he's seen today. Good luck!