Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain are symptoms of gastroenteritis. Symptoms occur 1 to 2 days after being exposed to the viruses and may last from 1 to 10 days. Most people recover within 1 to 2 days, depending on the virus causing illness.
Gastroenteritis becomes serious when the person cannot replace enough fluids lost during vomiting and diarrhea and becomes dehydrated. Hospitalization may be needed to correct or prevent dehydration, especially among the very young, elderly or immuno-compromised person.