When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your doctor if any of the following situations occur:

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea lasts for more than two days.

• The ill person is younger than three years.

• The abdominal symptoms are associated with a low-grade fever.

• Symptoms begin after recent foreign travel.

• Other family members or friends who ate the same thing are also sick.

• The ill person cannot keep any liquids down.

• The ill person does not improve within two days even though they are drinking large amounts of fluids.

• The ill person has a disease or illness that weakens their immune system (for example, HIV/AIDS, cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, kidney disease).

• The ill person cannot take their normal prescribed medications because of vomiting.

• The ill person has any nervous system symptoms such as slurred speech, muscle weakness, double vision, or difficulty swallowing.

Go to the nearest hospital's emergency department if any of the following situations occur:

• The ill person passes out or collapse, become dizzy, lightheaded, or have problems with vision.

• A fever higher than 101°F occurs with the abdominal symptoms.

• Sharp or cramping pains do not go away after 10-15 minutes.

• The ill person's stomach or abdomen swells.

• The skin and/or eyes turn yellow.

• The ill person is vomiting blood or having bloody bowel movements.

• The ill person stops urinating, have decreased urination, or have urine that is dark in color.

• The ill person develops problems with breathing, speaking, or swallowing.

• One or more joints swell or a rash breaks out on your skin.

• The ill person or caretaker considers the situation to be an emergency.

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