Preparing for an appointment

If you or your child needs to see a doctor, you'll likely see your health care provider first. If there are questions about the diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist.

What you can do

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. Some questions you might want to ask your or your child's doctor include:

• What's the likely cause of the symptoms? Are there other possible causes?
• Is there a need for tests?
• What's the best treatment approach? Are there any alternatives?
• Is there a need to take medicine?
• What can I do at home to ease the symptoms?

What to expect from your doctor

Some questions the doctor may ask include:

• When did symptoms begin?
• Have the symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
• How severe are the symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen symptoms?
• Have you been in contact with anyone with similar symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

Drink plenty of fluids. Stick with bland foods to reduce stress on your digestive system. If your child is sick, follow the same approach — offer plenty of fluids and bland food. If you're breast-feeding or using formula, continue to feed your child as usual. Ask your child's doctor if giving your child an oral rehydration solution, available without a prescription at pharmacies, would help.