The stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis, can strike suddenly and leave you feeling miserable. Symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, chills, and fatigue can disrupt daily life and make it difficult to know how long recovery will take. Understanding the typical duration of the illness and what signs to watch for can help you manage symptoms effectively and know when to seek care.

For same-day stomach flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. Our providers can examine your symptoms and plan the best treatment possible. Simply walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!

Typical Duration of the Stomach Flu

For most healthy adults, the stomach flu lasts 1 to 3 days, though some cases may persist for up to a week. Children and older adults may experience symptoms slightly longer due to weaker immune systems. While symptoms like diarrhea and fatigue can linger for a few days after the virus has passed, the acute phase (when nausea, vomiting, and cramps are most severe) usually resolves within a couple of days.

Factors That Can Affect Recovery Time

Recovery from the stomach flu can vary based on several factors, including:

• Age and Overall Health: Older adults and people with chronic conditions may take longer to recover.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and resting can speed up recovery. Dehydration can prolong symptoms.
• Viral Strain: Different viruses, such as norovirus or rotavirus, may cause slightly longer or shorter illnesses.
• Immune Response: Individual immune systems react differently, influencing severity and duration of symptoms.

When To Seek Medical Care

Most cases of the stomach flu resolve on their own, but urgent care may be needed if symptoms persist or worsen. Seek medical care if you notice:

• Severe or persistent diarrhea lasting more than a few days
• Signs of dehydration, including dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine
• High fever
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours

Prompt evaluation can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment if the illness isn’t viral. If you’re showing signs of dehydration, AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale provides IV hydration therapy services.

Tips For Recovering at Home

While your body fights off the virus, supportive care is key. Focus on the following methods:

• Drinking plenty of fluids like water, electrolyte solutions, or clear broths
• Eating bland foods when able, such as toast, rice, or bananas
• Resting as much as possible to allow your immune system to recover
• Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and heavy meals until fully recovered

Following these steps can help shorten the illness and reduce discomfort.

Get Same-Day Stomach Flu Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale

The stomach flu is unpleasant but usually short-lived, lasting between 1 and 3 days for most people. Recovery time depends on age, health, hydration, and the viral strain. While home care and rest are often enough, persistent, severe, or unusual symptoms warrant a visit to urgent care. Early evaluation ensures you stay safe, hydrated, and on the path to a faster recovery. Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Leetsdale. We are here to help you get the care you need when you need it most. If you’re feeling dehydrated or unwell, don’t wait– stop by today and let our IV fluid hydrations services help you recover quickly! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about stomach flu treatment, contact us directly at (303) 935-1000.