If your child suddenly has diarrhea and vomiting, it might be gastroenteritis, not the flu. Gastroenteritis is an infection of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Here are some steps to help your child: 1. **Stay Hydrated**: The biggest risk is dehydration. Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids. Water is good, but oral rehydration solutions are better as they replace lost electrolytes. Avoid milk and acidic or caffeinated drinks. 2. **Introduce Food Slowly**: Once your child can keep liquids down, start with bland foods like bananas, bread, rice, applesauce, and toast. Avoid fried, spicy, or fatty foods. 3. **Skip Over-the-Counter Meds**: Most medications won't help and might make things worse. The body needs to expel the infection. Only give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, but avoid ibuprofen if the stomach is upset. 4. **Monitor for Dehydration**: Watch for signs like dry mouth, no tears when crying, or decreased urine output. If symptoms persist for more than a few days or if there's blood in the diarrhea, see a doctor. Children with conditions like diabetes may need to see a doctor sooner. Follow these steps to help your child recover from gastroenteritis.