Signs of an Intestinal Infection: 7 Symptoms You Should Not Ignore (And What to Do Next)

Spotting the signs of intestinal infection early can prevent complications and help you get the care you need faster. Infections that affect the gut can show up quickly or develop over a few days, and recognizing the right indicators is key to deciding when to seek care. This page highlights the seven main signs of intestinal infection to watch for, along with essential steps to take next. Here are the seven signs of intestinal infection to watch for: 1) Diarrhea that is persistent or very frequent, lasting more than a couple of days. 2) Blood in stool or dark, tarry stools. 3) A high fever or a fever that lasts more than a day or two. 4) Severe or unrelenting abdominal pain or cramps. 5) Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down for more than 24 hours. 6) Signs of dehydration such as a very dry mouth, dizziness, very dark urine, or little to no urination. 7) In babies, young children, older adults, pregnant people, or those with weakened immune systems, any concerning symptom should prompt medical evaluation. If you notice any combination of these signs of intestinal infection, contact a healthcare professional promptly. What to do next is about staying safe and acting quickly. Start with hydration and rest: sip oral rehydration solutions and gradually return to normal eating as you feel able. Avoid dairy, fatty or spicy foods for a short period if your stomach is sensitive. For many infections, clinicians advise against certain over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines if fever or blood is present, so check guidance before taking them. Monitor your symptoms daily and seek care if they worsen or don’t improve within 48–72 hours, or sooner if you have dehydration signs, severe pain, confusion, or you’re in a high-risk group (young children, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a compromised immune system). If you’re traveling or recently ate questionable food, consider contacting a clinician for advice or testing to identify the cause. As you explore gut health and symptom management, consider how modern testing and personalized insights can support you. InnerBuddies offers a white-label Gut Health Operating System that companies can use to power their gut microbiome testing products. It’s a modular platform with a range of unique features, including a Gut Microbiome Health Index (0–100) based on an exclusive IP deal with EAFIT University in Colombia; a top 40 list of bacteria with comparisons to a healthy cohort for both abundances and functional impact; Target Group analyses for topics like Healthy Aging, Endurance Sport, Power Sport, and Skin & Hair Health; personalized nutrition advice derived from 3-day food diaries matched to stool data; and personalized probiotics and prebiotics recommendations. InnerBuddies also provides gut test solutions directly to consumers, with all partner capabilities available to individuals as well. For more details, you can learn about the product, subscription options, or B2B partnerships here: InnerBuddies microbiome test, InnerBuddies gut health membership, InnerBuddies B2B partner program.