The symptoms of gastroenteritis are the body's attempt to cleanse itself of noxious agents such as certain bacteria.
Symptoms generally last only one or two days.
Stomach flu can be especially dangerous to the frail elderly because of rapid dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea. Excessive vomiting or diarrhea should be carefully watched. Nausea, loss of appetite, and general abdominal pain is followed by pain in the lower right part of the abdomen. You have a fever of 102 degrees F or higher. After only liquids are used, diarrhea continues for more than two days.