A 24-hour stomach bug is a viral infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting.
Most case resolve in one to three days.
The symptoms then gradually decrease as you get better.
Catherine McQueen / Getty Images
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
What Causes a 24-Hour Stomach Bug?
The stomach bug is usually resulting from a virus.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Common Viral Causes
Stomach bugs are often due to viruses.
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.
How Long Are You Contagious With a 24-Hour Stomach Bug?
Symptoms usually appear one to three days after exposure to viral gastroenteritis.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The main focus of treatment is to preventdehydrationdue to fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Stomach Bug Prevention
You’re better off preventing gastroenteritis than treating it.
Summary
A 24-hour stomach bug is a viral infection.
It is spread through contact with an infected person, airborne particles, and contaminated surfaces.
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.
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