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Oct 17, 2024 · The stages of the stomach flu may vary in intensity and duration depending on factors like your overall health status, ongoing hydration efforts, and the virus that caused the symptoms.
- Overview
- How long does the stomach flu last?
- How long are you contagious?
- Home remedies
- When to seek help
- The outlook
How long the stomach flu lasts can depend on your age and overall health. It may last longer for older people and shorter for children and teens.
Stomach flu (viral enteritis) is an infection in the intestines. It has an incubation period of 1 to 3 days, during which no symptoms occur. Once symptoms appear, they usually last for 1 to 2 days, although symptoms may linger for as long as 10 days.
This can be especially true for older people.
Stomach flu symptoms include:
•diarrhea
•vomiting
•stomach cramps
Stomach flu can be very contagious. The amount of time you’re contagious is determined by the type of virus you have. Norovirus is the most common cause of stomach flu. People with stomach flu caused by norovirus become contagious as soon as they start to have symptoms and remain contagious for several days afterward.
Norovirus can last in stool for two weeks or longer. This makes it possible for caregivers who change diapers to become infected unless they take precautions such as immediate hand washing.
Rotavirus is the leading cause of stomach flu in infants, toddlers, and children. Stomach flu caused by rotavirus is contagious during the incubation period (one to three days) that precedes symptoms.
People infected with this virus continue to be contagious for up to two weeks after they’ve recovered.
The best home remedies for stomach flu are time, rest, and drinking fluids, once your body can keep them down.
If you can’t drink fluids, sucking on ice chips, popsicles, or sipping small amounts of liquid can help you avoid dehydration. Once you can tolerate them, water, clear broth, and sugar-free energy drinks are all good options.
Stomach flu usually clears up on its own within a few days but sometimes requires a doctor’s care.
Infants and babies with stomach flu should be seen by a doctor if they are running a fever or vomit for longer than a few hours. If your baby seems dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Signs of dehydration in babies include:
•sunken eyes
•lack of a wet diaper in six hours
•few or no tears while crying
•sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the top of the head
The stomach flu typically resolves on its own within a few days. The most serious concern, especially for infants, toddlers, children, and the elderly, is dehydration. If you’re unable to rehydrate at home, call your doctor.
- Corey Whelan
Jul 27, 2023 · This article reviews how long stomach virus symptoms typically last, potential long-term effects, possible treatment options, tips for recovery, and when to see a doctor.
Mar 4, 2023 · Norovirus, also known as the stomach flu, is a highly contagious virus that can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea. Experts say most people can recover from illness in about one to three days after symptoms begin, however, that can vary by person.
Oct 8, 2020 · Norovirus symptoms generally last for about 1–2 days. The virus spreads very easily and can stay on surfaces for several days or even weeks. Due to this, it can spread particularly easily...
Oct 14, 2024 · The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, is a type of intestinal infection that presents with mostly GI symptoms. It may be caused by a number of viruses but not influenza viruses as the term...
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Sep 12, 2024 · How Long Do Symptoms Last? Although some cases of stomach flu last only 24 hours, most last longer than a that. Depending on the cause, a stomach bug can linger for up to 10 days. What Causes a 24-Hour Stomach Bug? The stomach bug is usually caused by a virus.
