Viral Stomach Bug: What It Is, How It Spreads, and What Really Helps

When you suddenly feel sick to your stomach, start vomiting, and have watery diarrhea, you’re probably dealing with a viral stomach bug, a highly contagious infection of the digestive tract, most often caused by norovirus or rotavirus. Also known as gastroenteritis, it’s not the flu — but it sure feels like it hit you in the gut. This isn’t just a minor upset. It spreads fast — through dirty hands, contaminated surfaces, or even airborne particles from vomit. One person gets sick, and suddenly half the office or family is out of commission.

Most viral stomach bugs last 1–3 days. The real danger isn’t the virus itself — it’s dehydration, the loss of fluids and electrolytes that can turn a short illness into a medical emergency, especially in kids and older adults. You might think drinking water is enough, but plain water doesn’t replace the salts and minerals your body loses. That’s why oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte or WHO-formulated mixes) work better than soda or juice. And no, antibiotics won’t help — they don’t kill viruses. Over-the-counter anti-nausea meds might give you a little relief, but they don’t cure anything. The only real treatment? Rest, fluids, and time.

What makes this worse is how easily it’s confused with food poisoning, a similar set of symptoms caused by bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli, often from undercooked meat or spoiled food. The big difference? Food poisoning usually hits faster — within hours — and might come with a fever or bloody stool. A viral stomach bug tends to build over a day or two and rarely causes blood in stool. If you’re unsure, watch for signs like dry mouth, no urination for 8+ hours, or dizziness when standing — those mean you need help fast.

And here’s something most people miss: you can still spread the virus for days after you feel better. Norovirus hangs around on doorknobs, countertops, and laundry. That’s why washing hands with soap (not just sanitizer) and disinfecting surfaces with bleach-based cleaners matters more than any supplement or home remedy. If someone in your house is sick, wash their clothes separately, and don’t share towels.

Below, you’ll find real, no-fluff advice from people who’ve been there — whether it’s how digestive enzymes might help after the worst passes, why certain herbal supplements can make things worse, or how to safely manage symptoms without risking more trouble. No guesswork. No myths. Just what works when your body’s been hit by a viral stomach bug.