From the Guidelines
Viral gastroenteritis typically lasts between 1–3 days in most cases, with approximately 90% of cases resolving by day 5 and 95% by day 7, according to the most recent guidelines 1. The duration of viral gastroenteritis can vary depending on several factors, including the specific virus causing the infection, the patient's age, and their immune status.
- Norovirus, a common cause of viral gastroenteritis, typically lasts 1–3 days in otherwise healthy individuals 1.
- However, more prolonged courses of illness lasting 4–6 days can occur, particularly among young children, elderly persons, and hospitalized patients 1. The illness is self-limiting, meaning it will clear on its own as the immune system fights off the viral infection.
- Recovery occurs gradually as the intestinal lining, damaged by the viral infection, repairs itself 1.
- During this healing process, symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting progressively diminish in frequency and severity. Maintaining hydration is crucial throughout the illness, as dehydration is the primary concern with viral gastroenteritis, especially in vulnerable populations.
- Approximately 10% of persons with norovirus gastroenteritis seek medical attention, which might include hospitalization and treatment for dehydration with oral or intravenous fluid therapy 1.
From the Research
Duration of Viral Gastroenteritis
- The typical duration of viral gastroenteritis can vary depending on the virus causing the infection 2.
- A study on the incubation periods of viral gastroenteritis found that the median incubation period was 1.2 days for norovirus, 1.7 days for sapovirus, and 2.0 days for rotavirus 2.
- However, the duration of illness can be longer, with one study finding a median duration of 20 hours for treated patients and 27 hours for placebo patients 3.
Resolution of Viral Gastroenteritis
- There is limited information available on the percentage of cases that resolve by day 5 and day 7.
- One study found that bismuth subsalicylate reduced the severity and duration of abdominal cramps and GI symptoms, but did not provide specific data on resolution rates by day 5 and day 7 3.
- Another study found that loperamide hydrochloride provided faster and more effective relief than bismuth subsalicylate, but also did not provide specific data on resolution rates by day 5 and day 7 4.
- A systematic review of the literature on viral gastroenteritis found that the median incubation period was around 1-4 days, but did not provide information on resolution rates by day 5 and day 7 2.