How long should a tummy bug last for?

[Ferrousfumerate1]

DS was sick on Tuesday, once, had mild diarrhoea on Wed, was fine on Thursday, but then later in day felt unwell again (bad tummy). Today he's had two bad, runny poos.

How long does this last for - is it gastroenteritis? And when do you start to worry and go to the doctor?

[WhentoD]

Does he have a temperature or fast heart rate? Worth seeing a medic if he has.

[Ferrousfumerate1]

Neither

[Fitzsimmons]

When my DS was around one year he had a tummy bug that had gone on for two weeks. GP wasn't worried as he was taking fluids and food. GP asked for me to come back in a week with a stool sample if no improvement. I did, and the next day DS was fine again. GP said that when they are small bugs can leave the stomach upset for quite a while, hence the diarrhoea.

[Luckymummy22]

What age is your DS? I find when my son has a sickness bug I have to cut out dairy for 24 or 48 hours. His tummy can’t deal with it

[NeilPetark]

I’d only see a doctor if they’re dehydrated, I took DS after he had been having diarrhoea and vomiting for a week and they gave me some dioralyte. There’s nothing a GP can do.

Try the BRAT diet, ice lollies and encourage fluids. It doesn’t sound like it’s too bad.

[JKCR2017]

Can last for a while. Particularly the upset tummy after he vomiting. My son has had bugs that have lasted on and off for a week. As long as they are staying hydrated, I wouldn't panic too much 😊

[Ferrousfumerate1]

But when do you send them back yo school? DS isn't being sick and doesn't have diarrhoea but he is farting loads and they smell really unpleasant.

[Jojopugh]

My daughter was sick last Sunday evening for around 12 hours... wasn't sick after that but was unwell with cough cold etc. She was off school all week as asthmatic and this freezing weather has knocked her about terrible.

Friday night she was sick again once and complained of ear ache.

Took her to walk in centre yesterday. She has a nasty virus and ear infection.

The doctor said there are so many virus's around at the moment and that lots of schools in Birmingham which is where he is based have sent out letters to say if you child is sick or has runny poo's then parents should wait 48 hours from the last time it happened to send them to school ☹️

[BlackInk]

Hi OP

NHS and most schools say to stay at home until it has been at least 48 hours since the last episode of D or V. This is because, until 48 hours have passed with no symptoms, there's a high chance that the affected person (especially if a child) will V or have D again - infecting other people if they're out and about.

It's very common for V and D to linger a while with small children. No cause for concern as long as they are not hydrated and seem pretty much ok in themselves.

Hope your DS is better soon x