Stomach Flu & Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

It is estimated that 179 million incidents of acute gastroenteritis occur annually in the United States, which can result in diarrhea¹. Fortunately, healthy people are likely to recover without complications. When a person is infected, their everyday life is interrupted due to the unpleasant symptoms.

Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis) Symptoms

Gastroenteritis attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms including²:

• Nonbloody, watery diarrhea (bloody diarrhea usually means that you have a more serious infection or other condition)

• Nausea and/or vomiting

• Stomach cramps

• Low-grade fever

• Muscle aches and headache

Depending upon the cause of the infection, viral gastroenteritis or stomach flu symptoms appear 1 to 3 days after infection. Symptoms range from mild to severe. On average, symptoms only last 1 to 2 days, but occasionally they may last longer. An infected person can be contagious before experiencing any symptoms and can remain contagious from a few days up to 14 days after recovering, depending upon the virus².

Common Causes of Stomach Flu

The most common causes of stomach flu are:

• Viruses

  • Norovirus in adults

  • Rotavirus in children

• Drinking contaminated water (traveler's diarrhea)

• Bacterial food poisoning, caused by the 4 most common germs³:

  •  Salmonella 

  •  Staphylococcus aureus  (commonly known as staph)

  •  Campylobacter 

  •  Clostridium perfingens 

What Is Norovirus?

Norovirus is estimated to cause around 19 to 21 million cases of gastroenteritis in the U.S. annually—with most outbreaks happening from November to April⁴. There are about 2,500 norovirus outbreaks reported annually in the U.S.

Every variation (strain) of the norovirus can cause gastroenteritis. Common symptoms include⁵:

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting and nausea

• Stomach cramps

• Low-grade fever

• Body aches and headache

Since norovirus is a very contagious stomach virus, it is easily spread by contaminated food/surfaces or close contact⁶. The typical incubation period (time it takes you to experience symptoms after getting infected) is 12-48 hours. Having norovirus is an unpleasant experience, but you should start to feel better in 1-3 days⁷.

There’s currently no specific treatment for norovirus and, as a viral infection, antibiotics will have no effect—but IMODIUM^® can help relieve symptoms of diarrhea. Treating diarrhea and drinking plenty of liquids will help reduce the associated loss of fluids and electrolytes, helping you feel better more quickly. Contact your healthcare professional if your symptoms last more than 2 days or get worse, or you’re concerned and feel you need advice.

What Is the Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a contagious stomach virus that causes severe diarrhea in infants and young children. Before a vaccine was introduced in 2006, almost all U.S. children were infected with rotavirus before their 5^th birthday⁸. Each year, the vaccine prevents an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 hospitalizations among infants and young children in the United States⁸.

Settings with many young children, such as childcare centers, are the most common sources of transmission. Similar to norovirus, rotavirus can spread by touching your mouth with unwashed hands that are contaminated with rotavirus particles or eating contaminated food⁹. The symptoms of this easily transmittable virus include¹⁰:

• Fever (may be high in children)

• Vomiting

• Severe watery diarrhea (this may continue for 3-7 days)

• Abdominal pain

Some adults may have a higher risk of getting rotavirus, including those who are older, those who care for children with rotavirus, or those with compromised immune systems⁸. Since neither the vaccine nor infection provide full immunity, it is possible to get rotavirus more than once⁹. The incubation period for rotavirus disease is approximately 2 days and symptoms may last 3-8 days¹¹.

Severe dehydration resulting from the frequent bowel movements and vomiting is a serious health concern in children. Here are some symptoms of dehydration to look out for in children^10,11:

• Lack of tears (or few tears) when crying

• Dizziness when standing

• Excessive thirst or dry mouth

• Reduced urination

• Unusual sleepiness or fussiness

Stomach Flu Prevention and Medicines for Kids

Children are more at risk of severe dehydration from gastroenteritis illnesses, such as rotavirus. A good way to prevent severe rotavirus illness is ensuring that your kid is routinely vaccinated.

The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. Here are some tips²:

• Choose an oral rehydration solution—this helps replenish electrolytes

• Start with small sips and gradually increase, so they don’t vomit it up

• Once your child has stopped vomiting, offer a bland diet

• Consult a healthcare professional if your child’s symptoms are not improving after 24 hours or if you’re concerned

Wash your hands frequently and clean surfaces with a disinfectant to avoid viruses and diseases in general. Norovirus and rotavirus particles can remain on surfaces for many days if left without proper cleaning and disinfection.

While there are no medications to treat gastroenteritis, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal drugs such as IMODIUM^® Anti-Diarrheal Oral Solution For Children Ages 6 and Up are very useful to treat diarrhea symptoms. IMODIUM^® allows your body to absorb fluids and salts again to restore the consistency of stools. For children 2-5 years (34 to 47 lbs), please make sure to ask a doctor before use, and, for children under 2 years (up to 33 lbs), do not use.

Stomach Flu Medicines and Remedies for Adults

Preventing dehydration is important when you are recovering from gastroenteritis. To aid in your recovery, try the following²:

• Let your stomach settle – avoid solid foods for a few hours to let your body recover

• Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of a rehydration solution

• Slowly ease back into eating - once your symptoms have subsided start by eating bland foods

• Get plenty of rest

• Treat your diarrhea

IMODIUM^® products contain an active ingredient called loperamide, which works to help restore your gut’s natural rhythm so you can start to feel like yourself again. If symptoms persist for more than two days or get worse, consult your healthcare professional.

Maintaining basic hygiene and cleaning habits can help stop the spread of gastroenteritis-causing germs¹²:

• Wash your hands with soap and water (alcohol hand gels do not kill the virus) and disinfect surfaces that could be contaminated with a bleach-based household cleaner

• Avoid eating raw, unwashed food

• Wash any contaminated bedding or clothing separately with bleach

• Clean the area surrounding the toilet with a bleached-based household cleaner

When To Call a Doctor

Healthy people are likely to recover from stomach flu or gastroenteritis without complications. However, some cases may warrant a call or trip to the doctor. If you’re an adult, call your healthcare provider if you have the following severe symptoms²:

• Not able to keep liquids down for 24 hours

• Dehydration—signs include excessive thirst and dry mouth, reduced or dark yellow urine, severe weakness, or lightheadedness

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea that continues for more than 2 days

• You see blood in your vomit or stools

• Severe stomach pain

• A fever above 104 °F

Take your child to a healthcare provider right away if you notice these signs or symptoms²:

• A fever of 102 °F or higher

• Extreme tiredness, irritability, or pain

• Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 hours

• Dehydration — compare how much they drink and urinate when sick versus when they are well, and watch for signs such as thirst and crying without tears

• Persistent vomiting