I have two children who this week have both had viral gastroenteritis one child is 3 and was affected very badly, in fact he was so poorly he ended up in the hospital. My other child is only 10 weeks old and this didn't affect him as badly. The G.P said more than likely rotavirus which when I look at the characteristics of the symptoms in both children I do aggree. The main concerns in the first instance are keeping hydrated and reducing a high temperature if one develops, although this can be difficult when dealing with a sick child. It is extremely important to maintain scrupulous hygeine throughout when dealing with these bugs, particularly keeping hands clean, washing your hands with hot water and soap is fine but do it all the time. Clothing, towels, linen, feeding equipment belonging to the person who is unwell should be kept clean and separate from everyone elses, soiled nappies should not be put with the rest of the household rubbish, contact you local council for advice on disposal of soiled nappies. The important thing is to replace fluid lost through sickness and diarrohoea, small sips of clear fluid is sufficient unless the following symptoms appear in which case ring your General practitioner for advice. Don't worry too much if food is refused and when the worst is over a diet of soup, cereal and toast should be encouraged as it's easy to digest and gentle on the gut.

Urine output is reduced or non existant for a period of 7-12 hours
Hollow/ sunken eyes or the absence of tears
dry lips/tongue
more sleepy than usual.
Severe or worsening tummy pain
If blood is present in vomit and or diarrohoea.
Fever of 100 +

It is normal for diarrohoea to persist for 3-10 days and vomiting occasionally for 2-3 days
Food should not be discouraged
fizzy drinks should be avoided
Fever and pain can be controlled with Ibuprofen and paracetamol.

My 3 year old developed this bug with the onset of vomiting on Monday 3am, vomiting and diarrohoea throughout the day but not huge amounts, Monday 10pm fever developed. Tuesday really poorly with high temperature and vomiting and diarrohoea, took him to G.P who said rotavirus and plenty of fluid. Tuesday evening he was vomiting blood, very frightening for a parent to see but not as serious as it looked. Took him to hospital. No blood in his diarrohoea so it's likely to have been a blood vessel burst through the force of being sick. He had a temperature of 103, he was given both paracetamol and ibuprofen and iced water and an hour later he was sat up asking for toast. Paediatrition saw him and we were discharged 10pm Tuesday. wednesday- unwell, Thursday- unwell and vomiting again, Friday- better but exhausted. Saturday- Pretty much back to normal.
The affected person should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of diarrohoea and or vomiting. The most common route of infection is fecal-oral so wash your hands.

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