Most stomach bugs run their course in one to seven days, and there’s no medication that kills the virus causing them. Getting rid of a stomach bug comes down to managing symptoms, staying hydrated, and letting your body do the work. The good news: a few straightforward strategies can make you feel significantly better while you recover.
Hydration Is the Top Priority
The biggest risk from a stomach bug isn’t the virus itself. It’s dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea. Replacing lost fluids and electrolytes is the single most important thing you can do. Oral rehydration solutions (sold as Pedialyte or store-brand equivalents) are ideal because they contain the right balance of sodium, potassium, and sugar to help your body absorb water efficiently. Sports drinks work in a pinch for adults but contain more sugar and less sodium than what’s optimal.
Take small, frequent sips rather than gulping large amounts, especially if you’re still vomiting. A few tablespoons every 10 to 15 minutes is easier for your stomach to handle than a full glass. Once you can keep that down consistently, gradually increase the volume. Broth, diluted juice, and ice chips are also reasonable options. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which pull water from your body.
You can track your hydration by watching your urine. You should be urinating at regular intervals, and the color should be light and clear. Dark urine, infrequent urination, dizziness, lightheadedness, or a dry mouth all signal dehydration. In infants, watch for a sunken soft spot on top of the head and diapers that stay dry for more than three hours.
What to Eat (and What to Skip)
You may have heard of the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It used to be the standard recommendation, but it’s no longer advised as a strict regimen. It lacks calcium, vitamin B12, protein, and fiber, and following it for more than a day or two can actually slow recovery, especially in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers it too restrictive for kids with diarrhea.
That said, bland foods are still a smart starting point when you’re at your sickest. Plain crackers, boiled potatoes, chicken soup, oatmeal, and steamed vegetables are all gentle on your stomach. The key shift in thinking is this: as soon as you feel well enough to eat more, you should. Your body needs real nutrients to recover. Gradually reintroduce your normal diet rather than restricting yourself to four bland foods for days on end. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavily seasoned foods until your gut settles, and skip dairy temporarily if it seems to worsen symptoms.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Anti-diarrheal medications containing loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can reduce the frequency of diarrhea in adults and offer some relief. However, there are important situations where you should not use them. If you have bloody diarrhea or a fever, these could be signs of a bacterial or parasitic infection rather than a standard stomach virus, and anti-diarrheal drugs can make those conditions worse. Neither medication is considered safe for infants or young children without a doctor’s guidance.
For nausea, some people find relief from ginger tea, ginger chews, or over-the-counter antiemetics. Acetaminophen can help with body aches or low-grade fever. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, can irritate an already sensitive stomach lining, so it’s better avoided during the worst of it.
Probiotics Probably Won’t Help
Probiotics are widely marketed for gut health, and it seems logical that they’d speed recovery from a stomach bug. The evidence, however, is disappointing. A large U.S. study of nearly 1,000 children tested Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (the strain with the most prior evidence for gastroenteritis) against a placebo. Half the children received the probiotic twice daily for five days; the other half got an identical-looking placebo. The results were essentially identical: diarrhea in both groups lasted about two days, and children missed the same amount of daycare. The researchers analyzed the data multiple ways and reached the same conclusion each time. Taking a probiotic during a stomach bug is unlikely to shorten it.
Rest and Let It Pass
There’s no antiviral drug for norovirus or rotavirus, the two most common causes of stomach bugs. Your immune system clears the infection on its own. Most mild, uncomplicated cases resolve within one to seven days. During that window, rest as much as possible. Sleep helps your immune system function, and staying off your feet reduces the risk of injury if you’re lightheaded from dehydration. Avoid strenuous activity until you’ve been able to eat and drink normally for at least a day.
You’re Still Contagious After Feeling Better
One of the trickiest things about stomach bugs is that you can still spread the virus for two to three days after your symptoms have completely stopped. Norovirus in particular is extremely contagious, spreading through contaminated surfaces, food, and direct contact. During your illness and for at least two to three days after recovery, take these precautions:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before touching food. Hand sanitizer is less effective against norovirus than actual handwashing.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution: 5 to 25 tablespoons of standard household bleach (5% to 8% concentration) per gallon of water. The CDC recommends a concentration of 1,000 to 5,000 parts per million. Alternatively, use an EPA-registered disinfectant labeled effective against norovirus. Standard all-purpose cleaners often aren’t strong enough.
- Don’t prepare food for others until at least two to three days after symptoms end.
- Wash contaminated laundry (bedding, towels, clothing) on the hottest appropriate setting and dry thoroughly.
Signs That Need Medical Attention
Most stomach bugs resolve without any medical intervention. But dehydration can become dangerous, particularly in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Seek care if you notice signs of significant dehydration: no urination for eight or more hours, very dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth and skin, sunken eyes, or dizziness that doesn’t improve with fluids. In infants, crying without tears and a sunken soft spot are warning signs.
Bloody stool, a fever above 102°F (39°C), or symptoms that persist beyond a week also warrant a medical evaluation. These can indicate a bacterial infection or another condition that needs targeted treatment rather than just time and fluids.