Stomach Flu Prognosis

A person's stomach flu prognosis depends on the type of virus that is causing the infection. In most cases, the average prognosis for a person with stomach flu involves experiencing symptoms from 1 to 10 days with no long-term health effects. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, and infants may have a worse stomach flu prognosis because they are at an increased risk for dehydration.

Stomach Flu Information

Stomach Flu Prognosis: A Summary

Stomach flu is usually not serious, although people may feel very sick and vomit many times a day. Most people get better within 1 to 10 days, and they have no long-term health effects related to their illness.

There is no evidence to suggest that an infected person can become a long-term carrier of stomach flu.

Stomach Flu Prognosis and Dehydration

Sometimes, people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace the fluid lost because of vomiting and diarrhea. In these cases, stomach flu can be serious. Infants, young children, and people who are unable to care for themselves, such as the disabled or elderly, are at risk for dehydration from loss of fluids. People with weakened immune systems are at risk for dehydration, because they may get a more serious illness, with increased vomiting or diarrhea. They may need to be hospitalized for treatment to correct or prevent dehydration.