Could This Be a Stomach Virus?
I’m a 35-year-old female with an average weight and height, and I don't use drugs, or consume alcohol or tobacco. Late on Sunday afternoon, I experienced an unexpected surge of exhaustion that prompted me to take a two-hour nap, which is unusual for me. That evening, my appetite was noticeably low, and I barely touched my dinner before heading to bed early. When I woke up on Monday morning, I felt fine for a brief moment, but soon after, I was overwhelmed by intense nausea accompanied by sudden watery diarrhea. This pattern continued throughout the day—although I experienced diarrhea and nausea, I did not vomit. By Monday evening, my body ached terribly, and the nausea persisted. Today, I've still been dealing with additional diarrhea, but the nausea has lessened somewhat. I've also developed a headache and ongoing body aches. I performed a home Covid test, which returned negative. Does this seem like it could be a stomach virus? In the past, stomach viruses have caused me extreme vomiting, but this time, my stomach is rumbling, and I'm hesitant to eat, fearing it might provoke the nausea again. 😬
Answers (1)
8/19/2025, 10:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing symptoms that may align with a viral gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach virus. Your symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and body aches, are typical for this condition. The absence of vomiting this time may indicate a milder form or a different viral strain, as various viruses can cause these symptoms.
Explanation: Viral gastroenteritis is often contagious and can be triggered by several different viruses, commonly spread through contaminated food or water, or from close contact with an infected person. While symptoms can vary between episodes, many individuals experience nausea and diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms like headaches or muscle aches, which aligns with what you described. The fact that you've tested negative for COVID-19 is helpful in ruling out that particular illness, but other viruses can still cause these symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Stay Hydrated: Continue to drink clear fluids such as water, broth, and electrolyte solutions (like Pedialyte or sports drinks) to prevent dehydration. Sip slowly and take small amounts frequently.
-
Rest Your Body: Allow your body to recover. Rest is crucial, especially while you are feeling fatigued.
-
Introduce Soft Foods Gradually: When you feel ready, try to eat bland foods such as toast, crackers, or bananas. Avoid dairy, spicy foods, or anything greasy until you feel better.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms for any changes. If you notice severe symptoms like high fever, blood in your stool, or if your dehydration worsens (signs include dark-colored urine or extreme thirst), those would be reasons to seek medical attention.
-
Practice Hygiene: To prevent spreading any potential virus, wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with others until you're symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, consider reassessing your situation. Take care of yourself, and I hope you start to feel better soon!
Related Questions
Struggling with Persistent Heartburn and Indigestion
For the past four years, I (18-year-old female) have been grappling with various health issues, both physical and mental. Residing in New Zealand, I have faced challenges related to an eating disorder that has remained unresolved, largely due to inadequate therapists and treatment options. Recently, over the last year, and particularly in the past couple of months, I have been suffering from severe abdominal cramps and heartburn after consuming any food. This discomfort has significantly diminished my appetite, yet whenever I visit my doctor, I find myself receiving the same prescription for Omeprazole without any further investigation into my condition. The situation is becoming increasingly intolerable, and I feel lost in how to seek additional help. It feels as though my concerns are dismissed each time I bring them up. For context, I weigh 70 kilograms, stand at 168 centimeters tall, and am currently managing my mental health issues with medication for anxiety and depression, in addition to taking daily laxatives aimed at alleviating my digestive problems.
Enhancing Your Gut Health: Suggestions and Tips
Greetings! As a university student, I frequently encounter challenges with my digestive health. During the summer, I discovered that I am sensitive to both gluten and dairy; thankfully, I do not have any allergies or any issues with my internal organs. To assist with digestion and manage some parasites I have, I’ve been taking various supplements. However, despite these efforts, my gut health still feels subpar. Cooking and eating healthily is a passion of mine, which makes meal preparation enjoyable. However, I have struggled to shed pounds this summer, despite trying to maintain an active lifestyle. I've also cut back on sugary foods because my previous favorites are now restricted due to my sensitivities. What additional methods can I explore to enhance my gut health? I really miss feeling energetic and vibrant instead of constantly fatigued.
Concerns About Persistent Digestive Problems with Clear Tests but Ongoing Symptoms
I'm a 40-year-old woman who has been struggling with recurring digestive issues for around nine months. Over the last two months, these symptoms have become more frequent, causing me considerable concern. **Symptoms:** My discomfort includes intermittent bloating, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and persistent abdominal pain that varies in location. At times, the pain affects the pelvic area, while at other moments it’s felt in my lower back or the lower left side of my abdomen. There are instances when I experience no pain at all. **Visible Swelling:** Recently, I’ve noticed a slight bulge beneath my ribs in the upper right side of my abdomen. This area seems firmer and feels different from how it used to, lacking the softness or fluid-filled sensation. **Changes in Bowel Movements:** My stools range from being normal to other shapes, including some that resemble small hard balls and, on one occasion, a spiral form. **Additional Observations:** Lately, I’ve had mild nausea, but thankfully no bleeding or vomiting has occurred. **Tests Conducted to Date:** - An ultrasound of the abdomen conducted two months ago returned normal results. - Blood tests, a fecal test, and a urinalysis from a few months back also showed no abnormalities. - I have colonoscopy and endoscopy procedures scheduled for three months from now. **Questions I Have:** - Is it possible that this could indicate a serious condition such as cancer, or does it appear more consistent with IBS, IBD, or another gastrointestinal disorder? - Why wouldn’t the ultrasound detect the bulge that I can feel? - What steps can I take in the meantime while I await the upcoming scope examinations? I find myself feeling anxious as this ongoing discomfort has persisted for quite some time, increasingly impacting my day-to-day life. I would greatly appreciate any insights, reassurance, or guidance on this matter.
Experiencing Unusual Noises From My Stomach?
I’m a 22-year-old female, standing 5’8” and weighing 195 pounds. I occasionally use e-cigarettes and only smoke cannabis infrequently—around twice a year, at most. To provide some background, I have been diagnosed with insulin-resistant PCOS and have recently begun taking metformin and spironolactone. However, the noisy stomach issue I’m experiencing started prior to starting these medications. It has become quite a source of embarrassment for me. Can anyone shed light on the possible causes of my excessively loud stomach sounds? Notably, these noises seem to intensify after I eat, indicating that hunger is likely not the issue at play here.
Persistent Light Yellow Diarrhea with a Sweet Odor (35 Male)
I am a 35-year-old Caucasian male from the UK. I maintain a smoke-free and alcohol-free lifestyle, measuring 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing slightly under 14 stone. I do not use illegal substances and besides having irritable bowel syndrome, I am generally in good health, without any other conditions or prescription drugs. While my routine doesn't prioritize exercise as I work from home, I do make an effort to play musical instruments and take walks when I can. This morning at 5 am, I experienced severe abdominal pain, almost as if a knife were being driven from behind my navel down to my groin. Afterward, I had to rush to the bathroom and since then, I've been dealing with diarrhea every 20 minutes throughout the day. Though I haven’t eaten at all, I’ve kept myself hydrated with water and consumed two glasses of apple juice. I’ve taken a packet of Imodium to no avail and have resorted to Buscopan to alleviate the discomfort. Initially, the diarrhea started with a typical brown hue and an unpleasant odor, but as the day progressed, the color and smell have transformed noticeably. Since around 3 pm, it has shifted to a pale yellow shade with an oddly sweet, albeit unpleasant scent. The episodes continue to occur every 20 minutes, especially after I have a drink. There also appear to be stringy substances or possibly mucus present, which I suspect could be remnants of undigested food. Additionally, I noticed an oily appearance to the stool, similar to the way oil separates in a bowl of ramen when mixed. My stomach has been gurgling relentlessly all day, sounding as if liquid is continuously swirling, akin to the operation of a water cooler. I’ve felt quite bloated, but fortunately, there hasn't been any significant pain. This yellow diarrhea is a new experience for me. I’ve consulted online sources for information, but I understand that it’s not always wise to rely on the internet for medical advice as it can suggest a multitude of potential issues. I would appreciate guidance on whether I should seek medical care, if there are indications for concern, or what specific symptoms I ought to monitor. Thank you for your assistance.