What should I do if I have vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever together often signal a viral or bacterial infection, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning. To recover safely:

Stay hydrated with water, oral rehydration solutions, or clear broths to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Rest to support your immune system.
Eat bland foods (like toast, rice, or bananas) once you can tolerate them.
Seek medical care if you have a high fever (over 102°F), blood in stool or vomit, signs of dehydration, or symptoms lasting more than 48 hours.

Because these symptoms can stem from many causes—ranging from mild stomach bugs to serious infections—it's worth understanding exactly what may be driving them. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights and clear guidance on your next steps, all in just a few minutes.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what vomiting, diarrhea, and fever indicate Discover if your symptoms need urgent care Find likely causes of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever See OTC options for vomiting and diarrhea Find a doctor for stomach infection symptoms Understand home remedies for fever and nausea Check if vomiting, diarrhea, and fever are serious

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Explanation

When experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever, the main focus should be on staying hydrated. Drink small sips of water or oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids. Rest as much as possible to help your body recover.

Key Steps:

Stay Hydrated:

Drink clear fluids like water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions.
Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine as they can worsen dehydration.

Rest:

Take it easy and allow your body to heal.

When to Seek Help:

If symptoms are severe, such as high fever, or if they last more than a couple of days, contact a healthcare provider.
Watch for signs of dehydration, like dry mouth, dizziness, or reduced urination.

These symptoms often indicate gastroenteritis, which is usually caused by viruses like rotavirus. While most cases resolve with home care, you can use Ubie's free AI symptom checker to better understand your symptoms and determine if medical attention is necessary for your specific situation.

(References)

Leung AK, Kellner JD, & Davies HD. (2005). Rotavirus gastroenteritis. Advances in therapy, 16418157.
Hartman S, Brown E, Loomis E, & Russell HA. (2019). Gastroenteritis in Children. American family physician, 30702253.
Colletti JE, Brown KM, Sharieff GQ, Barata IA, Ishimine P, & ACEP Pediatric Emergency Medicine Committee. (2010). The management of children with gastroenteritis and .... The Journal of emergency medicine, 19345549.

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