Gastroenteritis symptoms usually last for 1 to 2 days, but occasionally they may persist for as long as 10 days. CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the diarrhoea and vomiting Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
Stomach viruses are often mild and go away on their own in 1 to 3 days. Babies, older adults, or people who have low immune systems should see the doctor right away. This can help prevent their infection from getting worse.
People with weak immune systems may have a harder time fighting the virus than normal. Their symptoms may last longer than normal, and they also have a high risk for complications. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any of those conditions and develop viral gastroenteritis.
The initial stages start with chills, fever, and nausea, which transition into vomiting, diarrhea, and aches and pains. It's awful, and there is no cure. Stomach flu has to run its course. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication.
Rotavirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 3 and 8 days. However, it is less common in the U.S. due to vaccinations. Astrovirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 1 and 4 days. Adenovirus: Symptoms of this virus can last between 1 and 2 weeks.
If you have a stomach bug that is lasting for weeks (or months), it could be post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome.
Take things slowly – if your digestion is still quite sensitive after the main symptoms have subsided, reintroduce foods slowly and stick to bland foods for a while until you feel better. Try little and often rather than large meals, unless you feel better by not eating too regularly.
Schedule a doctor's visit
Make an appointment with your doctor if: Vomiting lasts more than two days for adults, 24 hours for children under age 2 or 12 hours for infants. You've had bouts of nausea and vomiting for longer than one month. You've experienced unexplained weight loss along with nausea and vomiting.
Most of the time, diarrhea is simply your gut's way of getting rid of a harmful invader, like a bacteria or virus.
In many cases, throwing up is a protective reflex to rid your body of viruses, bacteria, or parasites in your digestive system. “If you were to eat something that was spoiled or poisoned, your body would get a signal that something was wrong,” says Bruno Chumpitazi, MD, of Texas Children's Hospital.
Food poisoning doesn't just come on faster than the stomach flu — it also runs its course more quickly. Dr. Ford says viral gastroenteritis generally lingers for two days, although sometimes, it can last longer. In contrast, food poisoning “hopefully is going to be out of your system sooner than that,” Dr.
However, the key distinction is time: The symptoms of a stomach bug will take 12 to 48 hours to develop, while the symptoms of food poisoning typically develop much faster, usually within 6 hours of consuming an infected dish. Another common difference between the two is the length of illness.
How is gastroenteritis diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will perform an exam and ask about your medical history. Your healthcare provider will likely ask for a stool sample to determine the source of your illness and whether it's bacterial or viral.
Many viruses cause infections that can be spread from person to person. People commonly call viral gastroenteritis “stomach flu,” but the term is not medically correct. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines, not the stomach, and it is not caused by influenza (flu) viruses link.
Over-the-Counter
Since diarrhea is your body's way of getting rid of toxins, it is best to let it run its course. However, you may use over-the-counter antidiarrheal remedies for convenience, including: Attapulgite (Kaopectate) Loperamide (Imodium)
Stomach flu usually only lasts a few days, but it may last up to a week or two in severe cases. People with weaker immune systems may have a harder time defeating the virus, and it may take longer.
Also referred to as the stomach flu, a stomach bug usually lasts only a day or two. However, some cases may last up to two weeks, which is why it's important to know as much as possible about this infection in case you or someone you know contracts it.
If your partner gets the infection, that snuggling sesh is definitely a no-go — mostly because bae will probably be spending most of their time in the bathroom.
Since dairy products are less bland than BRAT foods, they might be more tough on your stomach. However, if you can tolerate yogurt, it might be good for your stomach, especially if it contains probiotics, which help with digestion. Plus, yogurt contains fluid, which helps to stay hydrated.
Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse. The carbonation from sodas inflates the stomach while increasing its internal pressure. Combining higher pressure and caffeine's effects makes acid reflux more likely.
foods and drinks containing large amounts of simple sugars, such as sweetened beverages and some fruit juices. milk and milk products, which contain the sugar lactose. Some people recovering from viral gastroenteritis have problems digesting lactose for up to a month or more afterwards.