How long does a stomach bug last?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
A few days for most people - viral gastroenteritis starts within 4 to 48 hours of exposure and passes without treatment. Norovirus, the usual culprit, wraps up in 1 to 3 days per the CDC. The whole game is fluids in small frequent sips. Blood in the stool, diarrhea past several days, dehydration signs, high fever, or severe pain make it a medical visit instead of a rough weekend.
What to do
- Prioritize fluids over food. Oral rehydration solution or water in small sips; food can wait a day.
- Ease back bland. Crackers, rice, bananas as vomiting settles; skip dairy and grease initially.
- Know the red flags. Blood in stool, dehydration signs, high fever, severe pain: medical care.
- Guard the household. Handwashing and no shared towels or food prep while sick and for days after.
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