Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTreatmentWhen to Get Help
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
When to Get Help
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24-Hour Stomach Bug Symptoms
A 24-hour stomach bug is really viral gastroenteritis—inflammation in your stomach andgastrointestinal tract(digestive system)—that causesdiarrhea.
Viral gastroenteritis also leads to otherstomach flu symptomsthat include:
A stomach bug generally comes on suddenly and hits hard. The symptoms then gradually decrease as you get better.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?Norovirus symptoms usually last 24 to 48 hours.If the illness has a different cause, symptoms may or may not last longer.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Norovirus symptoms usually last 24 to 48 hours.If the illness has a different cause, symptoms may or may not last longer.
What Causes a 24-Hour Stomach Bug?
Common Viral Causes
Most Common Stomach BugAbout 60% of allstomach flucases in the United States are due to norovirus. That comes out to around 21 million norovirus infections each year.
Most Common Stomach Bug
About 60% of allstomach flucases in the United States are due to norovirus. That comes out to around 21 million norovirus infections each year.
Viruses that cause stomach bugs are extremelycontagiousand easily passed from person to person. The fecal-oral route (from not washing hands after defecating, changing diapers, etc.) is the primary mode of transmission. The following also plays a role:
Symptoms may last for just a day or two, or they may continue for more than a week.
How Long Are You Contagious With a 24-Hour Stomach Bug?Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to viral gastroenteritis. Depending on the type of virus, the stomach bug can be contagious before symptoms appear and for up to two weeks after you recover.
How Long Are You Contagious With a 24-Hour Stomach Bug?
Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to viral gastroenteritis. Depending on the type of virus, the stomach bug can be contagious before symptoms appear and for up to two weeks after you recover.
Food Poisoning vs. 24-Hour Stomach Bug
Symptoms of food poisoning tend to come on faster than the stomach bug. Diarrhea andvomitingoften begin within a few hours of ingesting contaminated food or water.
These bacterial infections are transmitted through contaminated poultry or other tainted foods, including meat, produce, and dairy products.Campylobacterstrainsaccount for around one-third of all bacterial cases.
Symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis can last anywhere from one to 10 days and may require antibiotics.
Parasites can also cause similar symptoms. Parasitic infections are spread through contaminated food, water, or soil. The primary culprits of parasite-associated gastroenteritis are:
Parasitic infections typically take longer to resolve than viral or bacterial gastroenteritis. Symptoms commonly last between two and six weeks.
Stomach Flu vs. COVID-19
Sometimes COVID-19 can cause gastroenteritis-like symptoms. In some people, these symptoms may be present even if respiratory symptoms aren’t.
Research suggests that around 20% of those who have COVID-19 also develop nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.These symptoms usually come on in the first few days, and many people will then go on to develop respiratory symptoms that are more typical of a COVID-19 infection.
Is a Stomach Bug Really the Flu?
When describing a stomach bug, the term “flu” is a misnomer. In medical terms, the flu (influenza) is a common viral respiratory infection. It involves symptoms such as:
When you get a flu vaccine, this is what you’re being protected from—not gastroenteritis.
AKA gastroenteritis, infectious diarrhea
Spreads through person-to-person contact, contaminated food or water, or contact with infected feces
Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain
Vomiting usually lasts 24 hours; diarrhea may continue for several days
Most can’t be prevented with a vaccine
AKA seasonal influenza
Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and congestion
May last from two to 10 days
May be prevented with a yearly vaccine
24-Hour Stomach Bug Treatment
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Thesestomach flu remediesmay help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications:
Stomach Bug PreventionYou’re better off preventing gastroenteritis than treating it. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the toilet, and good food hygiene help to prevent the transmission of a 24-hour stomach bug.
Stomach Bug Prevention
You’re better off preventing gastroenteritis than treating it. Frequent hand washing, especially after using the toilet, and good food hygiene help to prevent the transmission of a 24-hour stomach bug.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, over age 65, or recently hospitalized or on antibiotics, you should contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room if you have the following:
Additional symptoms in infants and children that warrant a call to your child’s pediatrician include:
Your healthcare provider may order:
Those tests should reveal whether the cause is viral, bacterial, or parasitic, which can guide treatment recommendations.
Summary
Common symptoms of the stomach bug include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Sometimes, the stomach bug may go away after 24 hours. But it may take up to 10 days before you fully recover.
Treatments may involve medications to stop vomiting and diarrhea, following a bland diet, and ensuring proper hydration. Get medical help for severe symptoms.
21 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients new about contagious norovirus.Medical University of South Carolina: MUSC Health.Gastroenteritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Understanding viral gastroenteritis.Vu DL, Bosch A, Pintó RM, Guix S.Epidemiology of classic and novel human astrovirus: Gastroenteritis and beyond.Viruses. 2017;9(2):33. doi:10.3390/v9020033.Robilotti E, Deresinski S, Pinsky BA.Norovirus.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(1):134-64. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-14Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bacterial gastroenteritis.Facciolà A, Riso R, Avventuroso E, et al.Campylobacter: From microbiology to prevention.J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E79-92.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Giardia.Mount Sinai.Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).Lau HC, Ng SC, Yu J.Targeting the gut microbiota in coronavirus disease 2019: Hype or hope?Gastroenterology. 2022;162(1):9-16. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.09.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): What you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): Misconceptions about flu vaccines.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”).American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.BRAT diet: Recovering from an upset stomach.Afacan MA, Tayfur İ.Comparison of the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetron on emergency service observation times in acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting cases.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2019;53(2):186-189. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2019.80217Nemours KidsHealth.Gastroenteritis (stomach flu).University of Rochester Medical Center.Viruses, bacteria, and parasites in the digestive tract.Merck Manual (Consumer Version).Gastroenteritis in children.Cedars Sinai.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients new about contagious norovirus.Medical University of South Carolina: MUSC Health.Gastroenteritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Understanding viral gastroenteritis.Vu DL, Bosch A, Pintó RM, Guix S.Epidemiology of classic and novel human astrovirus: Gastroenteritis and beyond.Viruses. 2017;9(2):33. doi:10.3390/v9020033.Robilotti E, Deresinski S, Pinsky BA.Norovirus.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(1):134-64. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-14Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bacterial gastroenteritis.Facciolà A, Riso R, Avventuroso E, et al.Campylobacter: From microbiology to prevention.J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E79-92.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Giardia.Mount Sinai.Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).Lau HC, Ng SC, Yu J.Targeting the gut microbiota in coronavirus disease 2019: Hype or hope?Gastroenterology. 2022;162(1):9-16. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.09.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): What you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): Misconceptions about flu vaccines.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”).American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.BRAT diet: Recovering from an upset stomach.Afacan MA, Tayfur İ.Comparison of the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetron on emergency service observation times in acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting cases.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2019;53(2):186-189. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2019.80217Nemours KidsHealth.Gastroenteritis (stomach flu).University of Rochester Medical Center.Viruses, bacteria, and parasites in the digestive tract.Merck Manual (Consumer Version).Gastroenteritis in children.Cedars Sinai.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients new about contagious norovirus.Medical University of South Carolina: MUSC Health.Gastroenteritis.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Understanding viral gastroenteritis.Vu DL, Bosch A, Pintó RM, Guix S.Epidemiology of classic and novel human astrovirus: Gastroenteritis and beyond.Viruses. 2017;9(2):33. doi:10.3390/v9020033.Robilotti E, Deresinski S, Pinsky BA.Norovirus.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(1):134-64. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-14Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bacterial gastroenteritis.Facciolà A, Riso R, Avventuroso E, et al.Campylobacter: From microbiology to prevention.J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E79-92.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Giardia.Mount Sinai.Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).Lau HC, Ng SC, Yu J.Targeting the gut microbiota in coronavirus disease 2019: Hype or hope?Gastroenterology. 2022;162(1):9-16. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.09.009Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): What you need to know.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): Misconceptions about flu vaccines.National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”).American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.BRAT diet: Recovering from an upset stomach.Afacan MA, Tayfur İ.Comparison of the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetron on emergency service observation times in acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting cases.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2019;53(2):186-189. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2019.80217Nemours KidsHealth.Gastroenteritis (stomach flu).University of Rochester Medical Center.Viruses, bacteria, and parasites in the digestive tract.Merck Manual (Consumer Version).Gastroenteritis in children.Cedars Sinai.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Gastroenteritis.
American Medical Association.What doctors wish patients new about contagious norovirus.
Medical University of South Carolina: MUSC Health.Gastroenteritis.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Understanding viral gastroenteritis.
Vu DL, Bosch A, Pintó RM, Guix S.Epidemiology of classic and novel human astrovirus: Gastroenteritis and beyond.Viruses. 2017;9(2):33. doi:10.3390/v9020033.
Robilotti E, Deresinski S, Pinsky BA.Norovirus.Clin Microbiol Rev. 2015;28(1):134-64. doi:10.1128/CMR.00075-14
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How norovirus spreads.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
Facciolà A, Riso R, Avventuroso E, et al.Campylobacter: From microbiology to prevention.J Prev Med Hyg. 2017;58(2):E79-92.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Giardia.
Mount Sinai.Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
Lau HC, Ng SC, Yu J.Targeting the gut microbiota in coronavirus disease 2019: Hype or hope?Gastroenterology. 2022;162(1):9-16. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.09.009
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): What you need to know.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Influenza (flu): Misconceptions about flu vaccines.
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment of viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”).
American Academy of Family Physicians: familydoctor.org.BRAT diet: Recovering from an upset stomach.
Afacan MA, Tayfur İ.Comparison of the effects of metoclopramide and ondansetron on emergency service observation times in acute gastroenteritis-related nausea and vomiting cases.Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2019;53(2):186-189. doi:10.14744/SEMB.2019.80217
Nemours KidsHealth.Gastroenteritis (stomach flu).
University of Rochester Medical Center.Viruses, bacteria, and parasites in the digestive tract.
Merck Manual (Consumer Version).Gastroenteritis in children.
Cedars Sinai.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
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