A 32-year-old member asked:
how often do normal people get the stomach flu?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gregory Mosolf answered
Pediatrics 25 years experience
Often: If you are in contact with many people on a daily basis for work or school then it is not uncommon to get a "stomach flu" several times a year. The peak season for enteroviruses (stomach flu) is spring and summer. During those seasons children can get sick every month or so especially if they are in a large daycare. The viruses are spread by poor hand washing and contact with contaminated surfaces.
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Similar questions
A 41-year-old member asked:
How common is the stomach flu?
2 doctor answers • 6 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Gentry answered
Gastroenterology 20 years experience
Very common: Stomach flu refers to the virus spread from vomit and diarrhea if you remember the cruise ship issues of several years ago that was a virus.
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A 31-year-old member asked:
How do physicians treat stomach flu?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Gottlieb answered
Internal Medicine 48 years experience
Fluids, rest, meds: We use medications to treat nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. We advise oral fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. We suggest a bland, low fat diet, and avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, aspirin, and nsaids such as Ibuprofen and naproxen. If unable to retain fluids, then a trip to the emergency department may be necessary. If it lasts more than 10 days, see a doctor.
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A 34-year-old member asked:
How long would the normal stomach flu take to develop in your system and start showing symptoms.?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Gary Gottlieb answered
Internal Medicine 48 years experience
6--10 days: The "incubation period" for most common gastrointestinal viral illnesses is 6-10 days. Cerain viruses, such as hepatitis a and b viruses, can take up to 6 months from infection to onset of symptoms.
6184 views
A 22-year-old member asked:
How long do stomach flu germs live on plastic and wood like in a cosmetic closet, is 5-6 months enough to kill?
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Robert Kwok answered
Pediatrics 33 years experience
Yes: Norovirus, which causes outbreaks of stomach flu on cruise ships and in nursing homes, also affects many people in other settings. Studies have shown that on dry surfaces, without food residue, vomit residue, etc..., the viruses are dead after about 30 days (can be sooner) without disinfectant. Norovirus spreads easily because a very small number surviving virus particles can infect a person.
6178 views
A 21-year-old member asked:
How do I know if I got tha stomach flu?
2 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrew Oswari answered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
24hrs: The usual course for the stomach flu is crampy abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and maybe vomitting that lasts only about 24hrs.
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Last updated Feb 9, 2019
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