Stomach flu, more accurately known as viral gastroenteritis, is a common illness that can disrupt your life with unpleasant symptoms. A frequent concern is how long you remain contagious and could potentially spread it to others. Understanding the contagious period is crucial for preventing the spread of this illness.
It’s important to clarify that stomach flu is distinct from influenza, or simply “the flu.” Influenza is a respiratory illness affecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is an infection of the digestive system, specifically the intestines. Various viruses can cause this condition, with norovirus and rotavirus being among the most prevalent. These viruses are highly contagious and spread easily through close contact with infected individuals. Transmission occurs primarily through contact with the stool or vomit of someone who is sick.
The period during which you can transmit the virus to others, known as the contagious period, varies slightly depending on the specific virus causing your gastroenteritis.
Norovirus Contagious Period
Norovirus stands out as the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis worldwide. One of the challenges with norovirus is that you can be contagious even before you start feeling unwell. Symptoms typically manifest within 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus.
While most individuals infected with norovirus start to feel better within one to three days after the onset of symptoms, the contagiousness doesn’t simply disappear with symptom resolution. You can remain contagious for a few days after you’ve recovered from the acute illness. Importantly, the virus can persist in your stool for up to two weeks or even longer following recovery.
To minimize the spread of norovirus, it’s advised that children, and even adults in certain settings like food handling or healthcare, should stay home from school or work for at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Rotavirus Contagious Period
Rotavirus is another significant cause of viral gastroenteritis, particularly affecting infants and young children. Symptoms of rotavirus infection usually emerge within one to three days after exposure and can last for three to eight days.
Similar to norovirus, individuals infected with rotavirus are contagious even before they exhibit symptoms. Furthermore, they remain contagious for up to two weeks after they have recovered from their symptoms. This extended contagious period underscores the importance of preventative measures, especially in settings with vulnerable populations like daycare centers and nurseries.
Preventing the Spread of Stomach Flu
Frequent handwashing with soap and water is paramount in preventing the transmission of stomach flu viruses. For norovirus, in particular, handwashing is significantly more effective than using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Disinfection of contaminated surfaces is another critical step, especially immediately after an episode of vomiting or diarrhea. When cleaning, it’s recommended to wear disposable gloves that can be discarded after use.
A bleach-based household cleanser is effective for disinfection. You can prepare a solution using 5 to 25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Norovirus is resilient and can survive on inadequately disinfected surfaces for extended periods.
Similarly, when handling potentially contaminated laundry, such as clothes or linens, wear disposable gloves and wash them promptly.
For rotavirus, vaccination is an effective preventative measure, especially for infants. The rotavirus vaccine is routinely recommended for young children to protect them from severe rotavirus gastroenteritis.
By understanding how long stomach flu lasts and the contagious periods of the viruses that cause it, and by practicing diligent hygiene, you can effectively reduce the spread of this common illness and protect yourself and others.
References:
- About norovirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html. Accessed Oct. 27, 2023.
- Viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis. Accessed Oct. 27, 2023.
- O’Ryan MG. Acute gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Oct. 27, 2023.
- AskMayoExpert. Norovirus. Mayo Clinic; 2023.
- Tosh PK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
