Prevention/illnesses | 30.9.2026
Gastroenteritis – symptoms, duration and treatment
Nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting are all symptoms of gastroenteritis – also commonly known as a stomach bug, tummy bug or stomach flu. It is one of the most common infectious illnesses worldwide and affects almost everyone at least once in their life. Two experts share information about the symptoms, how long they last and what treatments actually help.
Typical symptoms of gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Acute gastroenteritis usually develops suddenly and typically presents with:
- Vomiting: sudden, severe vomiting (particularly in the case of norovirus)
- Diarrhoea: frequent (three to five times per day) watery stools that may contain mucous or blood (depending on the pathogen)
These symptoms are frequently accompanied by abdominal cramps and stomach pain, often with a feeling of pressure and bloating, as well as a loss of appetite. In many cases, you will experience a brief fever, headache or limb pain, and feel generally unwell. These symptoms usually resolve on their own as long as you drink plenty of fluids and replace any lost salts.
