Question 1

how long does it take to get the stomach flu after being exposed to it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Norovirus is the most common viral cause of "stomach flu" or gastroenteritis. Exposure can result in illness within 24 hours. Other causes of gastroenteritis like bacteria can take several days. Handwashing and food safety can help prevent spread of illnesses like these. Thanks for trusting HealthTap!

Question 2

i live in sweden and my doctor gave me zofran (ondansetron) to take when i get the stomach flu to take away vomiting. do zofran (ondansetron) help? scared of vomit, panic!

Accepted Answer

Good for vomiting.: If you are questioning the efficacy of Zofran (ondansetron) for vomiting, I can tell you that it's very good for that.  What I don't approve of is the indiscriminate treatment of vomiting or nausea without a doctor's close supervision.  Vomiting is a symptom, which can be caused by many diagnoses. Treating a symptom without knowing the diagnosis can lead to trouble.

Question 3

please tell me how long it takes for to get over the stomach flu?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Some viral infections last 24 hours, others 1 week. Sometimes the virus is cleared, but symptoms linger at a lower intensity and frequency for weeks to months. Symptoms lasting longer than 2 to 4 weeks should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Question 4

how long does it really take for you to get rid of a stomach flu?

Accepted Answer

3-5 days: Assuming you have a true viral gastroenteritis usually 3- 5 days. If any blood in stool or vomit call your doctors immediately.

Question 5

is it safe to take zofran with the stomach flu before vomiting starts? does it make the flu worse or last longer?

Accepted Answer

: If one is nauseous, then zofran can help. If there is no nausea or vomiting, then there is no reason to take zofran. But overall, it does not worsen the underlying illness or cause it to last longer.

Question 6

i breastfeed my 9 month old and i have severe diarreha and nausea, what can i take to get rid of this stomach flu?

Accepted Answer

Ideally - nothing: Usually acute gastroenteritis presenting as diarrhea and nausea is of viral etiology and resolves by itself over 48-72 hrs. Antibiotics do not help- you should however maintain hydration, especially as you are breast feeding- you can eat bananas, soft rice- these are binding. Yogurt is also good- avoid fruit juices in diarrhea as the high sugar content can make the diarrhea worse.

Question 7

my wife and kids have been throwing up and have diarreha off and on for the past 24-36 hours.  thinking they have some sort of stomach flu/ virus.  is there anything they can take or do?  and, what can i take to ensure i don't get it?  thanks.

Accepted Answer

Sounds like it: You're likely correct.  For a stomach virus, it's important to maintain hydration (water, sports drinks) and eat a very bland diet as tolerated. Look up the "BRAT" diet. Certainly avoid dairy.  As long as there's no fever, it's ok to use loperamide (Imodium) to suppress symptoms. Wash hands frequently and don't share food/glasses etc. See a doc if dehydration or 3 days without improvement.

Question 8

how long does it take to become sick after being exposed to the stomach flu. it's been almost 4 days and i haven't caught it yet but worried ?

Accepted Answer

Faster than that: Food-borne illness hits hard and fast, anywhere from 30 minutes after a contaminated meal with certain bacterial toxins from killed bacteria to a day or two if there are live pathologic bacteria present in the food.   longer periods without symptoms would be unusual.

Question 9

what to take for a stomach flu in general?

Accepted Answer

No meds - fluids: Lots of fluids, esp fluids with salts to prevent dehydration - either oral or IV if needed. Symptomatic management.

Question 10

can we take packet soups during stomach flu.

Accepted Answer

Yes: When having the stomach flu, you should take in plenty of fluid to replace losses. Even when sick, we can still absorb fluids from our stomach and intestine, so keep pushing the fluids. If you can tolerate the soup, go ahead and drink it.

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Doctor answers about:

How long does it take to get stomach flu after exposed

A member asked:

How long does it take to get the stomach flu after being exposed to it?

A member asked:

I live in sweden and my doctor gave me zofran (ondansetron) to take when i get the stomach flu to take away vomiting. do zofran (ondansetron) help? scared of vomit, panic!

A member asked:

Please tell me how long it takes for to get over the stomach flu?

A member asked:

How long does it really take for you to get rid of a stomach flu?

A member asked:

Is it safe to take zofran with the stomach flu before vomiting starts? does it make the flu worse or last longer?

A member asked:

I breastfeed my 9 month old and i have severe diarreha and nausea, what can i take to get rid of this stomach flu?

A member asked:

My wife and kids have been throwing up and have diarreha off and on for the past 24-36 hours. thinking they have some sort of stomach flu/ virus. is there anything they can take or do? and, what can i take to ensure i don't get it? thanks.

A member asked:

How long does it take to become sick after being exposed to the stomach flu. it's been almost 4 days and i haven't caught it yet but worried ?

A member asked:

What to take for a stomach flu in general?

A member asked:

Can we take packet soups during stomach flu.

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