Most cases of “stomach flu” (viral gastroenteritis) last about 1 to 3 days of main symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, but milder after‑effects such as fatigue or loose stools can linger up to about 1 to 2 weeks in some people.

Quick Scoop

  • Typical symptom phase: 1–3 days of sudden vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and feeling wiped out.
  • Longer recovery: Low energy or a sensitive stomach can stick around for several more days, sometimes up to 2 weeks while your gut recovers.
  • Rare longer cases: In more severe infections or in people with weaker immune systems, symptoms can last closer to 7–10 days.
  • Most important: Stay hydrated; dehydration is the main danger, especially for kids, older adults, and anyone with other health issues.

How long does the stomach flu last?

Doctors usually use “stomach flu” to mean viral gastroenteritis, a gut infection often caused by norovirus or rotavirus.

Typical timeline:

  • Incubation (you’re infected but feel fine): about 1–3 days before symptoms start.
  • Acute symptoms (worst part): usually 1–3 days of vomiting and watery diarrhea.
  • Recovery phase: your appetite, energy, and bowel habits may take 3 days to 2 weeks to fully normalize.

For many healthy adults, it feels like a brutal 24–48 hours, then a couple of “wobbly” days where you’re tired and careful about what you eat.

When it’s contagious

  • You’re usually most contagious while you have active vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Some viruses (like norovirus and rotavirus) can still shed in stool for 1–2 weeks after you feel better, which is why handwashing and cleaning surfaces matter even after symptoms fade.

So even if your stomach flu lasts only a few days, you can still spread it for a while.

What helps you recover faster

Things that usually help:

  • Fluids: small, frequent sips of water, oral rehydration solution, or clear broths to prevent dehydration.
  • Light foods: bland items like toast, rice, bananas, or plain crackers once you can keep liquids down.
  • Rest: your body needs energy to fight off the virus, so take it easy.

Things to be cautious with:

  • Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal meds in children, older adults, or people with blood in stool or high fever (these situations need medical advice).
  • Heavy, fatty, very spicy, or sugary foods early in recovery—they can prolong diarrhea.

When to see a doctor or urgent care

Get urgent medical help (especially for a child, older adult, or someone with other health conditions) if you notice:

  • Signs of dehydration: very dry mouth, dizziness, no tears when crying, little or no urine (or very dark urine), confusion, or extreme sleepiness.
  • High fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in vomit or stool.
  • Symptoms that last more than about 7–10 days or suddenly get worse instead of better.

If this is about your own symptoms and you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is “normal” for stomach flu, contacting a local doctor or nurse line is the safest move.

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Wondering how long the stomach flu lasts? Most people have 1–3 days of intense vomiting and diarrhea, with full recovery over about a week, longer in severe cases.

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