Managing stomach flu symptoms at home

This article is up to date as of October 8, 2025, and based on vaccine guidance provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Individual states may adopt their own vaccine policies and recommendations based on local public health assessments and regulatory frameworks. For the most up-to-date information, consult a state or local health department or a health care provider.

It may come on without warning: That sudden churning stomach that sends people rushing to the bathroom. Some call it the stomach flu, but it really has no relation to influenza. Health care providers call it acute or viral gastroenteritis. By any name, it’s no fun.

The condition causes bouts of vomiting, diarrhea or both. Noroviruses, the most common cause of these symptoms, affect an estimated 19 to 21 million people in the U.S. every year. And for some people — particularly young children and older adults — it can be a cause for real medical concern.

Mostly, though, these intestinal troubles calm down with some rest and at-home care. Here’s what to know about the stomach flu and which products can help settle symptoms as quickly as possible.

In this article:

Stomach flu symptoms

The stomach flu is caused by an infection from a pathogen. The signs usually show up within 12 to 48 hours of the pathogen entering the body. These are some possible symptoms:

• Diarrhea (very loose or watery stools)
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea
• Occasional muscle aches or headache
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Vomiting

A significant concern is the risk of severe dehydration. Vomiting or having diarrhea several times a day may cause a person to rapidly lose bodily fluids, which can lead to decreased urination, lightheadedness and more serious symptoms for vulnerable groups. Young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at greatest risk.

According to Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, who leads the pediatrics infectious disease program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, these are some signs of severe dehydration:

• Decreased activity
• Decreased urination or sweating, sleepiness
• Skin that doesn’t spring back when lightly pinched
• Very dry mouth 

With these kinds of symptoms, adults or kids may need a hospital stay to help give fluids. Contact a health care provider for next steps if someone shows signs of severe dehydration.

What causes the stomach flu?

Influenza targets the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. What people call the stomach flu is actually an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s triggered by an infection from bacteria or a virus — not from the flu virus.

“Noroviruses are the most common culprit,” says Matthew A. Weissman, MD, professor of medicine and pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.

Noroviruses can affect anyone of any age. Children are most susceptible to rotaviruses, which can cause similar symptoms to noroviruses.

Someone may pick up one of these viruses from contaminated food or water. Some research suggests that some viruses may also be transmitted from person to person through saliva, by talking, coughing or sneezing or by sharing eating utensils.

How long does the stomach flu last?

A bout of stomach flu can feel endless. But it usually gets better in 1 to 3 days, with some symptoms lasting up to 14 days.

If the stomach flu doesn’t resolve after a week, medical attention is recommended, says Julius Wilder, MD, PhD, a gastroenterologist in Durham, NC, and assistant professor at Duke University School of Medicine. Someone should be seen by a health care provider earlier if there is blood in their stool or pain that persists even after throwing up.

People can spread some viruses for day or weeks, so it’s important to continue taking precautions after an infection, such as washing hands and wiping down countertops, doorknobs and toys.

Dr. Weissman also recommends waiting two weeks before allowing a recovering child into a swimming pool, which is a common place for kids to pick up or share a stomach bug.

When to seek medical care for the stomach flu

If symptoms have not resolved after a week or so, it’s a good idea to seek medical care. Other signs to head to the emergency room or seek immediate medical care include:

• Bloody stools or vomit
• Dehydration
• Fever over 104 degrees Fahrenheit
• Persistent stomach pain

Managing stomach flu symptoms

“Whatever the cause, in healthy people, their body will clear the infection out on its own,” says Dr. Weissman. “Treatment is not about getting rid of the illness — it’s what we call supportive care.”

For the stomach flu, that means managing the aches, diarrhea and vomiting. Be sure to check with a health care provider before taking nonprescription medications that may help reduce symptoms.

• Antidiarrheals. Some medications may be used to help relieve diarrhea but should only be taken for a day or two. They often contain loperamide hydrochloride or bismuth subsalicylate. Follow the package dosage directions.
• Pain relievers and fever reducers. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are two OTC medications that may help reduce fever and pain.

A health care provider may have other suggestions, including prescription medications.

At-home support options for the stomach flu

The best at-home support option for the stomach flu is no secret: liquids and plenty of them. Try sipping water and other easily digestible liquids, such as broth, clear soup and electrolyte solutions. These can replace fluids and restore electrolytes lost through diarrhea and vomiting. “Go just a teaspoon at a time if needed,” says Dr. Weissman. “Slow and steady wins the race.”

While research is limited, teas made with chamomile, ginger or peppermint may help ease tummy troubles. They also rehydrate. But be cautious with other herbal teas, warns Dr. Weissman. “Some can actually cause diarrhea or other issues.”

It may be best to avoid sugary drinks, carbonated beverages and anything with caffeine or alcohol. These can be dehydrating or can overstimulate the gastrointestinal system. High-fat and fried foods may make symptoms worse, too. A stomach flu may also trigger temporary lactose intolerance, so milk and other dairy products may bring on more diarrhea, notes Dr. Weissman.

He adds if just the thought of swallowing anything is too much, sucking on frozen juice cubes, ice chips or an ice pop might be manageable for adults and older kids.

Stomach flu in children

Rotavirus vaccines have been given routinely since 2006 and have greatly reduced the severity of the stomach flu in children when caused by rotavirus.

“Twenty years ago, the stomach flu was responsible for most infant hospital admissions,” says Dr. Whitley-Williams. “The vaccine has made a tremendous, positive difference on the mortality rate of the virus in this country.”

The best way to defend against catching and spreading a stomach bug, she adds, is handwashing. That goes for kids as well as the adults who care for them. After using the toilet or before eating or preparing food, wash hands with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This has been proven to be better and more effective than hand sanitizer, which does not kill noroviruses.

If a child is already sick, offer fluids and encourage eating. “Get a medicine dropper or a small medicine cup and, every half hour, give some type of fluid — Kool-Aid or flat ginger ale or apple juice,” says Dr. Whitley-Williams. “Jell-O is also a form of liquid, so caregivers can offer that as well.” That way, the child feels like they’re eating something, she says.

A pediatrician or health care provider might also suggest oral rehydration solutions, which contain electrolytes. (Older kids and adults with severe illness or a weakened immune system can also benefit from these oral solutions.) Infants should drink breast milk or formula as usual.

Consider Pedialyte to help replace fluids and essential electrolytes. Another oral hydration product for adults to consider is CVS Health Adult Electrolyte Boost.