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Signs of the Stomach Flu

The stomach flu is a common illness. It is also known as viral gastroenteritis. The illness inflames the stomach and large and small intestines. This infection comes from several different viruses. Even though it is commonly known as the "stomach flu," it is entirely unrelated to any influenza virus and has several symptoms.

  1. Primary Symptoms

    • The most common symptoms associated with the stomach flu are nausea, excessive throwing up and diarrhea. However, in many cases of the stomach flu, one single symptom can be dominant. Some people might experience more vomiting than any other symptom, for example.

    Other Common Symptoms

    • Though vomiting and diarrhea are the two most common stomach flu symptoms, other common signs of the ailment are a stomachache, headache and fever. These symptoms often start about one or two days after a person has been infected by the stomach flu virus. They can generally last anywhere from 1 to 10 days. The most common time frame is 1 to 3 days.

    Dehydration

    • Because people lose so much water from their bodies when they have the stomach flu, they often experience dehydration. As a result, intense thirstiness is a sign that a person is suffering from gastroenteritis.

    Exhaustion

    • Having a general feeling of exhaustion and fatigue can be a major sign of the stomach flu. If a person is feeling tired, lethargic and has no energy, he could possibly be suffering from this ailment. Many people also experience signs such as having chills and aching muscles.

    Severe Symptoms

    • There are more severe and possibly dangerous signs of the stomach flu. These more severe symptoms are having a fever that is more than 101 degrees F, swelling of the abdomen, abdominal aches, blood inside of either the stools or vomit, dry mouth, dry skin, feeling lightheaded and an unusual lack of both tears and sweat.

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