Nausea and vomiting accompanied by a fever

Nausea and vomiting accompanied by a fever of 100F or lower and diarrhea are common symptoms of viral stomach flu. These symptoms usually go away without medical treatment and should start to improve within 12 to 24 hours. After 48 hours, your symptoms should be mild. Diarrhea usually goes away in a week or sooner.

A fever of 100F or higher that lasts longer than 24 hours may be caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms that may indicate a more serious infection include shaking chills and fainting. A visit to a health professional is needed when these symptoms are present.

If you have abdominal pain and a fever, watch for signs of dehydration. Fever increases the potential for dehydration by:

• Increasing fluid loss through sweating and rapid breathing to cool the body.
• Interfering with drinking fluids.