So much diarrhea and vomiting, y'all.

There are a TON of tummy bugs going around right now since kids are back in school. If you change your younger kiddo’s diaper, please wash your hands really well afterwards, and remind your kids to wash their hands after they use the bathroom - the microscopic fecal stuff is a big contagious culprit.

Tummy bugs sometimes mean vomiting. Sometimes diarrhea. Sometimes fever. And sometimes, all three.

Common viruses usually cause a few days of vomiting, and often diarrhea for over a week. After two weeks of diarrhea, we need to see your child in the office.

I tend to worry more about the kiddos who have high fevers, have blood in their stools, or who can’t drink enough water to keep urinating at least every 6-8 hours and stay hydrated.

Probiotics may help. Carby snacks like crackers, bananas, bread may help. Electrolyte drinks like pedialyte or 1/2 Gatorade mixed with 1/2 water help. Avoid super sugary drinks - they can make the diarrhea worse.

Remember too that when kids get bad colds, they swallow a lot of mucus and this can lead to loose, mucusy stools sometimes too.

Come in and see me if you’re worried, or give us a call. Hang in there.

The biggest challenge with vomiting and diarrhea is keeping the kids hydrated. After a big episode of vomiting they feel thirsty, and you want to replace the fluids. As a parent in this situation, you have to go against your instincts and not give them fluids right away. It is best to wait 1-2 hours after the vomiting episode before trying to give them fluids, otherwise it will all come back at you from a very irritated tummy.

To rehydrate, and keep the new fluids down:

• Give the stomach time to settle, we recommend waiting 2 hours.
• Start with just sips of water, electrolyte drink, breast milk, formula, or other fluid based on the age of your child.
• Offer sips every 20 minutes for 2 hours, and if they keep this down increase the amount of fluid slowly.
• Once they have kept down fluids for 8 hours then you can offer food.

The vomiting usually passes in the first 24-48 hours of the viral illness, and then can be followed by diarrhea for another 5-7 days on average. The diarrhea can last up to 2 weeks with a viral stomach bug. During this time use good hand hygiene, and avoid sharing food and drink so that the virus does not spread.

Watch for signs of dehydration:

• Urinating less than 4 times in 24 hours.
• The area under tongue looks sticky instead of moist with saliva.
• They are crying without tears.

If your child is having signs of dehydration or the diarrhea is lasting longer than expected, has blood in it, or other concerning signs then call your pediatrician to see if your child needs to be evaluated in the office.

While dealing with a stomach bug can be a miserable 24 hours or more, I can reassure you that you can get thru it safely at home in most cases. Just stick to your hydration plan, and prepare for many loads of laundry.

Watch the video below for five key facts about diarrhea that every parent needs to know in only a minute. 

In today's video, Doc Smitty explains:

1. What are the common causes?
2. How long can it last?
3. When are the symptoms more than a stomach bug?
4. When do you call your pediatrician?
5. What are the biggest risks?

Learn the answers to these questions. It only takes a minute.