There is a virus that's making a lot of you light headed, sick to your stomach and bloated.  

The first day of school is always exciting because of new clothes, new experiences and for the little ones, new friends. This year it may also bring with it some nausea and frequent trips to the bathroom. Unfortunately, vomiting and diarrhea is going around in all age groups and that's not new for this time of year.

Pediatrician Dr. Kara Bruning at the Main McGreevy Clinic Avera says, "Vomiting and diarrhea often happen in the summertime. It's one of those viruses that likes the summer months, but it can happen any time of the year."

 As kids in the Sioux Falls area head back to school this week they may not be feeling their typical first day head-of-the-class tip top best. There have been a lot of cases of stomach flu this summer.  Viral infections are among the most common causes of diarrhea and vomiting.

There's not a lot you can do to stop it either. Over-the-counter meds like Imodium and Kaopectate aren't recommended for younger children.  The best thing you can do is let the diarrhea run its course making sure to keep hydrated by taking small amounts of fluid often.

An old wives tale was that by drinking "flat" Coke helps stop the diarrhea and "flat" 7-Up helped with the vomiting. According to the experts, that’s not true. Soda isn't a good idea at all. For one reason, it's too sugary and won't help hydrate. Secondly, if the soda isn't flat the carbonation will only upset your stomach.

The experts say for children Pedialyte (or something along those lines) is a good choice. For grownups, something like GaterAide is better because it has the right mix of sugar and electrolytes. Water is always a good choice too.