Stomach issues suck, don’t they? Well, buckle up buttercup because we've got some manic miscreants to deal with. Let’s talk about the charming duo – diarrhea and fever. There's a hysterical saying which goes "if you're going through hell, keep going"…but we had no idea it referred to frequent bathroom visits and playing the human thermostat game.

Decoding the bouts of dancing fever and the fiery hell that's flaming up your intestines isn't always easy. It could be that damned norovirus, the notorious bacteria-on-the-loose, or even a food poisoning spin-off.

Stomach bug. Gastroenteritis. 24-hour season finale. Call it whatever you want, but it's here for a dashing display of intestinal inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria, or some pathogen who thinks it owns the place. And your stomach complains in the only language it knows – diarrhea and fever.

While diarrhea is the star of this unpleasant show, the fever complements it like a fine wine paired with the wrong cheese. Oh, by the way, if explosive toilet sessions weren't fun enough, you may also get treated with vomiting and cramps. Yes, it is as beautiful as it sounds!

Did someone leave your food in the sun for a touch too long? Well, Bam! Welcome to the exotic land of food poisoning where both Salmonella and E. coli want to tango with your tacos.

Here’s the fun part, folks! All these diarrhea and fever causes think they are elusive thieves in the night, but they are just the regular prison escapees, always leaving a trace. You see, these symptoms go from 0 to 100 quicker than your brain can register. So, if you’ve got 24-hour bugs or food poisoning, your body’s going to know it faster than Usain Bolt at the Olympics.

COVID-19 also likes to partake in the diarrhea and fever party every now and then. The thing with COVID is, it plays the long game. It subtly increases the temperature and the toilet sprints, unlike its counterparts, giving you a sinister slow burn.

Chronic gastrointestinal issues can also get on this diarrhea and fever bandwagon. So, if these symptoms have overstayed their welcome, it's time to chat with your healthcare savior.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: how in the world are we supposed to know whether it's bacteria or virus raising hell? Well, truth bomb – it doesn’t matter much for your treatment. Catch this, both bacteria and virus can cause that lovely intestinal inflammation, aka gastroenteritis. Great, right?

Either way, you have to sign up for the endurance test of managing those diarrhea bouts while dodging the nasty trap of dehydration. In case things get outta hand, healthcare providers can run some glamorous poop tests (yep, you read that right) to decide whether they bring in antibiotics for killing bacteria or not.

Most times, diarrhea and fever hit harder than that temporary tattoo you got at the Christmas party but disappear faster than your dignity the next morning. A few days and you should be back to normal. The catch? Keep an eye out for dehydration signals. If it seems like you're about to keel over, dial your health provider before you can say "Salmonella".

Expecting a baby or recently hospitalised? A chat with your medical czar is certainly on the cards if those stomach bug symptoms persist. Remember, some of these diarrhea-causing minxes, like listeria, can be particularly nasty for pregnant individuals.

Bottom line? Diarrhea and fever typically indicate a viral or bacterial party in your stomach. Most times, they’d pack up and leave within a few days. Keep a watchful eye on dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or any other concerning symptoms. Your fever might be running hot, but catching the culprits doesn't have to be.