If you’re wondering how long does the stomach flu last, you’re not alone. The stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) typically lasts 1–3 days for most healthy adults, but symptoms like diarrhea, body aches, chills, and throwing up can persist up to a week in some cases. This 2025 guide explores stomach flu symptoms in 2025, compares stomach flu vs. flu, and shares actionable tips to recover faster. We’ll answer questions like do you run a fever with the stomach flu and address chills and diarrhea to help you feel better soon.
We’ll also address do you run a fever with the stomach flu, chills and diarrhea, and more to help you feel better soon.
What Is the Stomach Flu and How Long Does It Last?
The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, triggering symptoms such as diarrhea, body aches, chills, throwing up, and occasionally a fever. Unlike the respiratory flu, the stomach flu affects your digestive system.
So, how long does the stomach flu last? For most healthy adults, symptoms peak within 24–48 hours and resolve in 1–3 days, per Healthline. However, how long does the stomach flu last for kids or seniors? It may extend to 7 days, especially if dehydration or immune issues are present, or those with weaker immune systems, according to Healthline.
Key Factors Affecting Duration
- Virus Type: Norovirus is often short-lived (1–3 days), while rotavirus may last longer (up to a week).
- Age and Health: Kids and seniors may experience prolonged diarrhea and body pain.
- Hydration: Staying hydrated can shorten recovery time.
- Rest: Adequate rest helps your body fight the virus faster.
Stomach Flu vs. Flu: What’s the Difference?
A common question is stomach flu vs. flu what sets them apart? The flu (influenza) causes respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cough, and high fever, while the stomach flu leads to diarrhea, chills, throwing up, and body aches. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Symptom | Stomach Flu | Flu (Influenza) |
|---|---|---|
| Diarrhea | Common | Rare |
| Body Aches | Mild to moderate | Severe |
| Chills | Common with chills and diarrhea | Common with fever |
| Fever | Low-grade or none | High (100.4°F or higher) |
| Throwing Up | Frequent | Rare |
If you’re battling diarrhea and body aches or chills and diarrhea, it’s likely the stomach flu, not the flu. For more clarity, see Cleveland Clinic’s guide. Understanding how long does the stomach flu last depends on recognizing these symptoms early.
For more details, check Cleveland Clinic’s guide.
Common Stomach Flu Symptoms in 2025
Stomach flu symptoms in 2025 remain consistent with previous years, driven by viruses like norovirus, which is highly contagious. Here’s what to watch for:
- Diarrhea and Body Pain: Frequent, watery stools paired with muscle aches.
- Chills and Diarrhea: Feeling cold or shivery, often with loose stools.
- Chills, Diarrhea, Throwing Up: A trio of symptoms indicating a severe case.
- Low-Grade Fever: Many ask, do you run a fever with the stomach flu? Yes, but it’s usually mild (below 100.4°F).
- Nausea and Vomiting: Common, especially in the first 24 hours.
Symptoms typically start 1–2 days after exposure and peak quickly. If diarrhea and body aches persist beyond a week, consult a doctor to rule out bacterial infections or other conditions.
How Long Does Gastric Flu Last for Different Groups?
The duration of the gastric flu varies by individual:
- Healthy Adults: 1–3 days for most symptoms; diarrhea and body pain may linger slightly longer.
- Children: 3–7 days, as their immune systems are still developing. Chills, diarrhea, throwing up are common.
- Older Adults: Up to 7 days, especially if dehydrated or immunocompromised.
- Immunocompromised Individuals: Symptoms like chills and diarrhea may last 1–2 weeks without proper care.
For personalized advice, see a healthcare provider or refer to Mayo Clinic’s gastroenteritis page.
Tips to Recover from the Stomach Flu Faster
Dealing with diarrhea, body aches, or chills, diarrhea, throwing up? Here are actionable steps to speed up recovery:
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink water, oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Pedialyte), or clear broths to replace fluids lost from diarrhea and throwing up.
- Avoid sugary drinks, which can worsen diarrhea.
- Rest Your Body
- Body aches and chills signal your body needs rest. Sleep as much as possible to support immune recovery.
- Ease Back into Eating
- Start with bland foods like bananas, rice, or toast (BRAT diet) after throwing up subsides.
- Avoid dairy, caffeine, and high-fat foods, which can aggravate diarrhea and body pain.
- Manage Fever and Chills
- If you’re wondering, do you run a fever with the stomach flu? A mild fever is common. Use acetaminophen to manage fever or chills and diarrhea.
- Keep warm with blankets if experiencing chills.
- Prevent Spread
- Wash hands frequently, as the stomach flu is highly contagious. Disinfect surfaces to protect others.
Pro Tip: If diarrhea and body aches last more than 7 days or you notice blood in your stool, seek medical attention immediately.
These symptoms usually appear 1–2 days after exposure. Curious about how long does the stomach flu last with these symptoms? Most cases resolve in 1–3 days, but persistent diarrhea and body pain may require medical attention if lasting beyond a week.
When to See a Doctor?
While the stomach flu typically resolves on its own, watch for red flags:
- Diarrhea or throwing up lasting over 7 days.
- Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, reduced urine output).
- High fever (above 102°F) or persistent chills and diarrhea.
- Stomach flu vs. flu confusion, respiratory symptoms may indicate influenza, requiring different treatment.
If symptoms persist, a doctor may test for other causes like bacterial infections or food poisoning.
FAQ
Q: How long does the stomach flu last in kids vs. adults?
A: In kids, the stomach flu lasts 3–7 days, while adults typically recover in 1–3 days. Diarrhea and body pain may persist longer in children.
Q: Do you run a fever with the stomach flu?
A: Yes, a low-grade fever (below 100.4°F) is common with the stomach flu, often paired with chills and diarrhea.
Q: What’s the difference between stomach flu vs. flu?
A: The stomach flu causes diarrhea, throwing up, and body aches, while the flu involves respiratory symptoms like cough and high fever.
Q: How can I manage chills, diarrhea, throwing up?
A: Stay hydrated, rest, and use acetaminophen for chills. Avoid heavy foods to ease diarrhea and throwing up.
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