What Is a Stomach Virus?

A stomach virus, also known as gastroenteritis and "stomach flu," is a virus that affects the stomach and intestines. Though not an influenza virus, a stomach virus is an infection that causes diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting.

Virus

• There are many different types of viruses that can cause stomach pain such as rotaviruses, noroviruses and adenoviruses. Each one is capable of causing the symptoms that fall under the stomach virus umbrella.

Symptoms

• Though diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms, fever, body aches and fatigue may accompany them.

Duration

• Each virus is different but the normal duration is anywhere from one to three days. In severe cases, a stomach virus can last up to 10 days.

Severity

• Most people recover completely from a stomach virus without any additional medication or hospitalization.

Risks

• It is important to drink lots of fluids to replace those lost in vomiting and diarrhea during a stomach virus. Dehydration is a serious risk when ill with one of these viruses.