The stomach flu can cause cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s a nasty viral infection that can last from a couple of days to a few weeks. The length of the illness depends on the pathogen responsible for the disease. While the colloquial term for the condition is stomach flu, this disease isn’t caused by the influenza virus which causes respiratory system symptoms. Adenovirus, norovirus, or rotavirus are usually the culprits.
How Long Can the Stomach Flu Last?
Viral Gastroenteritis
The medical term for the infection they cause is gastroenteritis. Viral gastroenteritis typically presents GI symptoms and is a self-limiting disease, meaning you’ll recover without medical intervention. However, many people with this infection turn to OTC medications to help them deal with the discomfort and fluid loss they experience.
How Long Can the Stomach Flu Last?
Most people with healthy immune systems experience a fast recovery from a stomach bug in a few days. For some, it happens overnight, and they feel fine the following day. The type of pathogen causing the infection plays the most significant role in determining the timeline for recovery.
- Norovirus – is the most common and most infections resolve in a few days.
- Astrovirus – Recovery can take two or three days.
- Enteric adenoviruses – This infection may last for up to two weeks.
- Sapovirus – The primary infection clears in a few days, but diarrhea may persist for up to a week.
- Rotavirus – This infection can last from three to eight days.
What are the Symptoms of the Stomach Flu?
Most victims of the stomach flu exhibit symptoms within 48 hours of exposure to the pathogen causing the problem. The most common viral gastroenteritis symptoms are:
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
Dehydration and The Stomach Flu
The infected person must stay hydrated. The vomiting and diarrhea caused by the infection cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to severe complications from the lack of fluids and electrolytes in your body.
Keep infants and young children hydrated. Children with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER. Over-the-counter rehydration drinks such as Pedialyte are available. Older children can use diluted fruit juice.
Most people find drinking fluids during the infection difficult. Prevent dehydration by sipping small amounts of water hourly to replenish the fluids you are losing from your body. Once you can tolerate fluids, you can start eating small amounts of bland, dry solid foods such as crackers, noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Here are some common signs of dehydration:
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Thirst
- Urinating less than usual
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
With most viral gastroenteritis infections, you’ll likely develop minor dehydration symptoms. Dehydration prolongs the duration of the disease and causes severe complications if left unchecked.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, Seek medical attention as soon as possible. You may be dealing with a life-threatening situation.
- Rapid breathing cadence
- Confusion
- Fainting
- Stopping urination
- Fast heartbeat
- Shock
Prolonged Symptoms and Complications with the Stomach Flu
People with weak immune systems may require longer recovery from the disease. Weak immune systems have difficulty fighting off the infection, leading to longer infections and a higher possibility of complications.
If you have any of the following health disorders, you’re in the category of prolonged infection.
- Auto-immune disorders like Lupus or Crohn’s disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Immunodeficiency syndrome
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Metabolic diseases such as diabetes
- Heart disease
Understanding Contagion and the Stomach Flu
All pathogens responsible for the stomach flu are highly contagious. The virus spreads through contact with body fluids, vomit, and stool. As long as you display symptoms, you’re contagious. The possibility of contagion can persist for up to two weeks after the disease resolves.
The viral pathogens can survive on surfaces for days outside of the body. Avoid touching surfaces like the fridge door if you live with others. Wash your hands frequently, and don’t prepare any food or you’ll pass on the bug. You are most likely to pick up the virus when you eat contaminated food or water. Do not share food and drinks with others.
Medications for the Stomach Flu
The stomach flu is a viral pathogen, so antibiotics do not affect it. Since the disease resolves itself, you’ll need to manage your symptoms. You can accomplish this objective with over-the-counter (OTC) medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).
When to Call Your Doctor
Vomiting and diarrhea are not cause for alarm, but if you notice blood in your stool or vomit, there’s a problem. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or visit the emergency room for diagnosis.
- Diarrhea persists for longer than two days
- Tar-like black stool featuring pus or blood
- Extreme fatigue and irritability
- Fever
- Diarrhea takes place more than six times in a day
- Severe dehydration
- Severe rectal or abdominal pain
Pregnant women should contact their doctor immediately if they experience an infection. The physician will want to know which pathogen is causing the disease.
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