If you or your child get the stomach flu, it’s natural to wonder if everyone else in the family will get it too. Show
After all, many of us have caught an infection from a family member, friend, or coworker at some point in our lives. However, the stomach flu is not actually a flu. For one, the stomach flu is typically caused by norovirus, while influenza viruses cause the flu. For another, the stomach flu (also called viral gastroenteritis) primarily affects the intestines and sometimes the stomach. It does not cause upper-respiratory symptoms (like dry cough and nasal congestion) like the common flu does. To help you and your loved ones stay healthy, in this article, we’ll explain if the stomach flu is contagious and how it spreads. Then we’ll discuss symptoms and remedies for the stomach flu, followed by how to prevent viral gastroenteritis and when to see a doctor. Is Stomach Flu Contagious?The stomach flu is caused by norovirus or other similar viruses like rotavirus, adenovirus, or astrovirus. These viruses are contagious and often lead to group or community-setting outbreaks such as in daycares, schools, nursing homes, or cruise ships. How long does stomach flu last?Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own within a week. People with weakened immune systems as well as young children and older adults are at greater risk of contracting stomach flu and may experience more severe symptoms. How does stomach flu spread?Most stomach flu is passed via a fecal-oral route of transmission. As the name implies, this means that someone unknowingly ingested tiny particles of stool or vomit from an infected person. This can happen when:
Stomach Flu SymptomsCommon symptoms of stomach flu include:
Stomach Flu RemediesAlthough there is no way to speed healing from the stomach flu, you can do many things at home to ease your symptoms and find comfort while your body recovers. What you should eatStudies have mixed results about the best foods to eat for viral gastroenteritis. However, erring on the side of caution and sticking to a bland diet may help ease further discomfort if you vomit and may make it easier on your intestines as they recover from the virus. Many doctors recommend some version of a BRAT diet once you are ready to eat. BRAT stands for:
Foods you should avoidWhen you have the stomach flu, avoid any food that worsens your nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or other symptoms. While everyone is different, you may find it best to stay away from the following foods until you feel better:
Recovery and How to Prevent Stomach FluBecause it is caused by a highly contagious family of viruses, it’s not always possible to prevent stomach flu. However, you can reduce the risk of getting sick by practicing some simple habits:
If you still get the stomach flu, recovery typically does not take longer than a week. Most people only need rest, proper hydration, and sometimes over-the-counter medication or a bland diet to cope with the illness. When to See a DoctorIf you believe you have the stomach flu and do not feel better after 5-7 days, check in with your doctor. You may have a different virus or may have developed a secondary infection. Also see a healthcare provider if you notice:
How K Health Can HelpDid you know you can access online urgent care with K Health? Check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed, text with a healthcare provider in minutes. K Health’s AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and is based on 20 years of clinical data. Frequently Asked QuestionsHow long are you contagious with the stomach flu? How long you’re contagious with stomach flu depends on which virus you have. If you have a norovirus, you’re typically contagious from the moment you begin to have symptoms until a few days or possibly a few weeks after you recover. If you have rotavirus, you could be contagious for 1-2 weeks after your symptoms have ended. Continue to practice good hygiene and stay home until your symptoms have been gone for 24-48 hours. Can you pass stomach flu to another person? The viruses that cause stomach flu are highly contagious. They can be passed from fecal-oral contamination, surface contamination, and by particles in the air that are released when someone vomits or coughs. K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Is viral gastroenteritis very contagious?Viral gastroenteritis is highly infectious and is spread by the vomit or faeces of an infected person through: person-to-person contact, for example shaking hands with someone who has been sick and has the virus on their hands. contaminated objects.
How long before gastroenteritis is not contagious?A person with gastroenteritis is most infectious from when their symptoms start until 48 hours after all their symptoms have passed, although they may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.
Can you pass viral gastroenteritis back and forth?A: Yes. Viral gastroenteritis is contagious. It can be spread from one person to another in the following ways: Close contact with someone who has viral gastroenteritis, e.g. sharing food, drinks, utensils, kissing.
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