The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common infection that affects the stomach and intestines. It often brings nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, leaving many people wondering how long they’ll feel unwell. While the illness can be uncomfortable, understanding its typical duration, symptoms, and ways to manage it can help you recover faster and prevent complications like dehydration.
For same-day stomach flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to treat your condition with no appointment necessary. If you want to plan your visit in advance, just reserve your spot below!
What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Flu?
Stomach flu symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue or body aches
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms vary in intensity and may last for a few days. While adults often experience milder symptoms, children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems can be more severely affected.
How Long Does the Stomach Flu Usually Last?
For most healthy individuals, the stomach flu resolves within 1 to 3 days, though mild fatigue or lingering digestive discomfort may persist for up to a week. In children and older adults, recovery may take slightly longer. Symptoms typically peak within the first 24 - 48 hours and gradually improve as the immune system clears the virus.
What Can You Eat and Drink When You Have the Stomach Flu?
Staying hydrated is critical during the stomach flu because vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to fluid loss. Helpful strategies include:
- Fluids: Water, oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, or diluted fruit juices.
- Bland foods: Rice, bananas, toast, applesauce, or plain crackers once you can tolerate food.
- Small, frequent meals: Easier to digest than large portions.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, and fatty or spicy foods until your digestive system has fully recovered.
What Is the Treatment for the Stomach Flu?
There is no specific antiviral medication for viral gastroenteritis. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration:
- Drink plenty of fluids to replace lost electrolytes.
- Rest to help the body fight the infection.
- Use over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications only if recommended by a healthcare provider.
- Apply a warm compress to ease abdominal cramps.
Most people recover fully without complications, but monitoring for dehydration or worsening symptoms is essential.
Get Walk-In Stomach Flu Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Union City Today
If your symptoms are severe, persist beyond a few days, or include warning signs like relentless vomiting, high fever, bloody diarrhea, or dehydration, it’s time to seek urgent care. Getting evaluated promptly not only helps prevent complications but also provides personalized guidance to restore your fluids, manage discomfort, and get you back on your feet faster. Acting early means a smoother, safer recovery, and a quicker return to your normal routine. At AFC Urgent Care Union City, our providers can start you on the right treatment plan. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at (551) 257-1948.
