{"id":60489,"date":"2023-09-25T14:10:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T18:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=60489"},"modified":"2024-03-18T20:15:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T00:15:50","slug":"how-long-does-a-stomach-virus-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-a-stomach-virus-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does a stomach bug last?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s an unfortunate scenario most of us are familiar with: You wake up in the middle of the night in the grips of an unwanted visitor: stomach flu. Your body is in full-on rebellion, and you have no control over the relentless symptoms, from vomiting to diarrhea. After a day or two of suffering, you just want to know when it will end.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most stomach bugs typically last only a few days but can linger for two to three weeks in severe cases. Here\u2019s what you need to know about stomach virus causes, symptoms, and remedies.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does a stomach virus last?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration of stomach flu depends on many factors, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalofficesofmanhattan.com\/our-team\/jared-braunstein-do\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jared Braunstein, DO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a board-certified internist at Medical Offices of Manhattan, such as which virus is causing the sickness, the patient\u2019s general health, and how well they manage their symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s a general <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/viral-gastroenteritis\/symptoms-causes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">timeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> based on virus type:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Norovirus: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms start within 12 to 48 hours of exposure, typically lasting one to three days.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rotavirus: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms begin about two days after exposure, typically lasting three to eight days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Adenovirus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Symptoms start three to 10 days after exposure, typically lasting five to seven days, but can last up to two weeks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Astrovirus<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Symptoms begin four to five days after exposure, typically lasting one to four days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/agricultural-and-biological-sciences\/sapovirus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Sapovirus:<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Symptoms start 12 to 48 hours after exposure, typically lasting two to six days.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt&#8217;s important to keep in mind that these are just rough figures and that each person&#8217;s experience may be different,\u201d says Dr. Braunstein.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What causes stomach flu?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining, says <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/hannahmph\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hannah Newman<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, MPH, senior director of infection prevention at Northwell Health Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/gastroenteritis.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Causes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of stomach flu include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viruses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bacteria<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parasites<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemicals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reactions to medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reactions to food<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here\u2019s where it gets a bit confusing: Food poisoning is technically a type of gastroenteritis resulting from consuming foods or beverages contaminated with viruses, bacteria, parasites, or chemicals. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In contrast, the term \u201cstomach flu,\u201d although <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/viral-gastroenteritis\/definition-facts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not medically accurate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, typically refers specifically to gastroenteritis caused by viral infections \u2014\u00a0the most common cause of the disease.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The most common culprits of viral gastroenteritis are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Norovirus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotavirus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Astrovirus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adenovirus<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sapovirus<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The names are similar, but stomach flu is not the same disease as influenza, typically referred to as simply \u201cthe flu.\u201d General flu and stomach flu are caused by different types of viruses affecting different parts of the body\u2014the respiratory system for the former and the digestive system for the latter\u2014says Dr. Braunstein.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/stomach-bug\/\"><b>Your guide to the stomach bug<\/b><\/a><b> |<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/rotavirus-vs-norovirus\/\"><b>Rotavirus. vs. norovirus vs. stomach flu<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach flu symptoms<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Viral gastroenteritis comes on suddenly, usually lasts for less than one week, and most people get better on their own without medical treatment. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to Dr. Braunstein<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, stomach flu viruses affect the digestive system, causing symptoms like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach cramps<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration (in cases of severe illness)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cWhile these symptoms are typical for most stomach flu viruses, there are differences in terms of which age groups are more affected and the severity of the illness,\u201d Dr. Braunstein says. For instance:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/norovirus\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Norovirus<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infections often cause acute and rapid gastrointestinal distress, says Dr. Braunstein, adding that people of all ages are vulnerable to it. He says that because norovirus is highly infectious, it poses a significant threat of outbreaks to institutional settings, including hospitals, schools, and cruise ships.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/rotavirus\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Rotavirus<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> primarily affects toddlers and newborns and is largely preventable with one of the rotavirus vaccinations, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rotarix\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotarix<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/rotateq\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rotateq<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Young children who contract rotavirus are at risk of severe dehydration due to the combination of vomiting and watery diarrhea, Dr. Braunstein says.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/health-issues\/conditions\/infections\/Pages\/Adenovirus-Infections.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Adenovirus<\/b><\/a> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is actually a group of viruses that can cause many illnesses, including the common cold<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some strains cause gastroenteritis, and children under 5 are particularly susceptible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC7748384\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Sapovirus<\/b><\/a><b> and <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/medicine-and-dentistry\/astrovirus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>astrovirus<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are less prevalent than other stomach flu viruses but induce comparable symptoms, says Dr. Braunstein. While all age groups are susceptible, astrovirus is most common in children, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems; sapovirus is most common in children under 5.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cSometimes it&#8217;s hard to tell the difference between stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) and other [gastrointestinal] GI diseases since the symptoms are similar,\u201d says Dr. Braunstein. Although both influenza and stomach flu may cause fever and fatigue, for example, the former leads to more respiratory <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/flu\/symptoms\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as a cough, sore throat, runny nose, congestion, chills, body aches, and headaches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And while gastrointestinal issues do sometimes occur with influenza, they happen less often (and are generally not as bad) as those that accompany the stomach flu, says Dr. Braunstein.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/flu-causes\"><b>What causes the flu?<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-to-eat-when-you-have-the-flu\/\"><b>What to eat when you have the flu<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Still unsure what you have? Dr. Braunstein shares these tips to help you differentiate between viral gastroenteritis and other illnesses:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sudden onset:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The stomach flu is frequently unexpected. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One minute you could feel good; the next, you might be sick with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Fever:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The stomach flu may cause a slight fever, but a high temperature with respiratory symptoms might indicate another illness, such as influenza.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Duration:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most people recover from the stomach flu within a week, and usually after two to three days. The longer symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea last, the more likely something else is the cause. \u201cThe abrupt onset of the stomach flu is unlike the persistent symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and food intolerances,\u201d says Dr. Braunstein.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want more certainty, see a healthcare provider. They can determine if the cause of your symptoms is stomach flu or another gastrointestinal illness, Newman says, adding that<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">stool tests can help with diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibd-vs-ibs\/\"><b>IBD vs. IBS<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ibs-diet\/\"><b>The 3 best diets for IBS\u2014and 9 foods to avoid<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During your illness, it&#8217;s essential to stay refreshed by drinking water, especially if you&#8217;re throwing up or having diarrhea, advises Dr. Braunstein. And if your symptoms are severe, last longer than the typical timeline, or come with worrying signs like a high fever, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration, he urges you to see a healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stomach flu remedies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even though there is no special treatment for viral gastroenteritis, you can do a few things to ease the symptoms, says Dr. Braunstein. To get better as quickly as possible, try these suggestions:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.niddk.nih.gov\/health-information\/digestive-diseases\/viral-gastroenteritis\/treatment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sip clear liquids<\/a><\/strong><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like water, broth, and oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte or sports drinks containing electrolytes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Get extra sleep<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to give your body time to recover and fight off the virus, advises Dr. Braunstein.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/brat-diet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Follow the BRAT diet<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> by eating bland solid foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast for a day or two while your stomach recovers. Avoid dairy products, fatty or spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which can aggravate the stomach. Healthcare providers do not recommend this diet for everyone, so be sure to check with yours first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consume ginger ale, ginger tea, or ginger candies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which may help <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC8252074\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">soothe<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> nausea and ease stomach discomfort, Dr. Braunstein says.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Consider probiotics supplements,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which may help shorten the duration and decrease the severity of your symptoms. However, it\u2019s best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking these products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Try over-the-counter (OTC) medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/imodium-a-d\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Imodium A-D<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/loperamide-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">loperamide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/pepto-bismol\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pepto-Bismol<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bismuth-subsalicylate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bismuth subsalicylate<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which can help relieve diarrhea in adults. Children should avoid Pepto-Bismol during a viral illness as a rare syndrome called Reye\u2019s syndrome can occur.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Talk to your healthcare provider about prescription medications<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> like Zofran (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/ondansetron-hcl\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ondansetron<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">), which helps control severe vomiting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>RELATED: <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/nausea-relief-medication-and-home-remedies\/\"><b>What can you take for nausea relief?<\/b><\/a><b> | <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/can-kids-take-zofran\/\"><b>Can kids take Zofran?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the stomach flu contagious?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastroenteritis caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites is contagious from person to person. If you touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after contact with a germ-covered surface, you may become infected with the stomach flu.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cMost people get the stomach flu when they eat, drink, or touch something infectious,\u201d says Dr. Braunstein. It also spreads through <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sfcdcp.org\/infectious-diseases-a-to-z\/viral-gastroenteritis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">direct contact<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an infected person or by sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gastroenteritis does not, however, travel through the air like the general flu (influenza) or the common cold. The latter two spread through droplets in the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks, Dr. Braunstein explains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some things you can do to minimize your chances of contracting stomach flu, though. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/norovirus\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20355296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These include<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating and using the restroom and changing diapers (hand sanitizer will work in a pinch, but is less effective).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash fresh fruit and vegetables before eating.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cook meats and shellfish to the recommended temperatures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disinfect common surfaces with a bleach solution if someone in your home is ill.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid contact with sick people or stay home if you are sick.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIt\u2019s best to self-isolate until two days after your symptoms have stopped (when you\u2019re most contagious) to prevent transmission to others,\u201d Newman says.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When to call your healthcare provider<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a healthcare provider if any of the following signs are present:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can\u2019t keep liquids down for 24 hours or more.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s blood or pus in your vomit or stool, or your bowel movements are black or tarry.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019re showing signs of dehydration like dark urine, weakness, headache, thirst, and dry mouth. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC2791660\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pediatric patients<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may experience decreased urination (less than four wet diapers in 24 hours), dry eyes and mouth, no tears, sleepiness, irritability, grayish skin, sunken eyes, or a sunken soft spot (fontanel) on the front of the head.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have severe abdominal pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You are experiencing mood changes, such as irritability or lack of energy.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Healthcare providers can treat dehydration with IV fluids and sometimes prescribe medication to reduce vomiting or diarrhea in adults, says Newman.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line? Some people may feel better in a day or two, while it may take longer for others, says Dr. Braunstein. If you\u2019re sick, it\u2019s important to stay hydrated and give your body time to rest, but if you have severe or long-lasting symptoms, seek medical attention from a primary care provider or pediatrician.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s an unfortunate scenario most of us are familiar with: You wake up in the middle of the night in the grips of an unwanted visitor: stomach flu. Your body is in full-on rebellion, and you have no control over the relentless symptoms, from vomiting to diarrhea. After a day or two of suffering, you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":135,"featured_media":60484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[19608,16414],"coauthors":[20608],"class_list":["post-60489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-common-childhood-illnesses","tag-digestive-health","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How long does a stomach virus last?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The duration of a stomach virus depends on the cause, but it may last for up to two weeks. 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