The goal of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost by vomiting or diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications may be used, but are often not needed.

To avoid dehydration, you or your child should drink water and electrolyte solutions to replace fluids lost by vomiting. A variety of pleasant-tasting electrolyte solutions are available over-the-counter. Solutions to try for children:

• Pedialyte and Infalyte
• Popsicles or Jello

People with diarrhea who are unable to take fluids by mouth because of nausea or vomiting may need intravenous fluids. This is true especially for small children.

People taking diuretics ("water pills") may need to stop taking them during the acute episode. Ask your health care provider for instructions.

Full recovery is expected. Recovery usually occurs in 24 to 48 hours.

Dehydration can develop.

Call your health care provider if:

• Diarrhea contains blood or mucus
• Diarrhea develops within 1 week of travel outside of the United States, or after a camping trip (the diarrhea may be due to bacteria or parasites that need treatment)
• You have diarrhea and also experience vomiting episodes, fever, or abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea is severe, or lasts longer than 2 - 3 days
• Diarrhea in a child keeps returning, or the child is losing weight
• The child has signs of dehydration (call immediately)