The stomach flu is a common illness that can quickly spread through families, workplaces, and schools, particularly in the fall and winter.
If you’ve ever wondered if the stomach flu is contagious or what stomach flu treatments are available, you’re in the right place.
Understanding this illness, from symptoms and causes to effective remedies and prevention strategies, can help you navigate your recovery and protect your loved ones.
Stomach flu affects millions of people worldwide each year and spreads like wildfire in close quarters, leaving people feeling miserable. But what exactly is it, and how can you protect yourself from catching or spreading it?
In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at stomach flu, its symptoms, causes, and remedies. Let’s start by answering the pressing question: is stomach flu contagious?
What Is Stomach Flu & Is It Contagious?
Stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines.
It is caused by several different viruses, including norovirus and rotavirus. The Gouvernement du Québec has stated that norovirus is the most common cause in adults, while rotavirus more often affects children.
These viruses spread through contact with an infected person, contaminated food, or surfaces.
While the term “flu” might lead you to believe it is related to influenza, it is important to note that the stomach flu is entirely different from the seasonal flu, which primarily affects the respiratory system.
Stomach flu can spread rapidly, especially in group settings like schools, nursing homes, and daycare centers.
The infection can lead to a sudden onset of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can last for days. Because it’s so contagious, understanding how it spreads and what you can do to avoid it is crucial in managing outbreaks and protecting your family.
Stomach Flu (Viral Gastroenteritis) Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of contracting the stomach flu:
- Age: Young children under the age of six and adults over 65 are more susceptible to the stomach flu due to weaker immune systems. Children, especially, are frequently exposed in school and daycare settings.
- Living/Working Conditions: Close living quarters, such as nursing homes, dormitories, and daycare centers, provide an ideal environment for the virus to spread.
- Travel: Traveling to areas where viral gastroenteritis infections are common can increase your chances of contracting the virus, particularly in places with inadequate sanitation.
- Food Safety: Eating raw or undercooked meat or seafood, as well as improperly handled food, can expose you to viruses like norovirus.
- Weakened Immune System: Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or with chronic illnesses, are at higher risk of severe infections.
- High Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use can weaken the immune system, making it easier for the virus to take hold.
Stomach Flu Symptoms
Stomach flu symptoms can vary in severity, but they generally appear suddenly. They can include the following:
Vomiting
Vomiting is one of the hallmark symptoms of stomach flu and can occur without warning. It’s your body’s way of expelling the virus, but it can also leave you feeling weak and dehydrated. Vomiting usually lasts for one to two days, but in some cases, it can persist longer.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea often accompanies stomach flu and can range from mild to severe. It can cause dehydration due to the loss of fluids and electrolytes, especially in children and older adults.
Diarrhea typically lasts two to three days but may continue longer if not properly managed with fluids and rest.
Nausea
Many people experience nausea before or during a bout of stomach flu. It can make eating or drinking difficult, leading to further dehydration if left unaddressed. Small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte drinks can help ease nausea.
Cramping
Stomach cramps can occur as the virus irritates your intestines. These cramps may come in waves and can be quite painful, but they generally subside as the infection clears.
Loss of Appetite
A common symptom of viral gastroenteritis is a sudden loss of appetite. While it’s important to stay hydrated, it’s normal to avoid food for a while until your stomach settles. Eating small, bland meals like crackers and rice can help ease your symptoms.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain and discomfort are common during the stomach flu. This pain may result from inflammation in the digestive tract and can vary in intensity. Keeping yourself hydrated and avoiding solid foods until you feel better can help manage this pain.
Stomach Flu Causes – Common Viruses
Several viruses can cause the stomach flu, with the most common being:
- Norovirus: Responsible for over 60% of stomach flu cases worldwide, according to the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases, norovirus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in confined spaces like schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes. It often leads to intense vomiting and diarrhea, but symptoms typically resolve within two to three days.
- Rotavirus: Rotavirus is a leading cause of stomach flu in children under the age of five. While most children get this infection before the age of three, there is a vaccine available to prevent severe cases. The virus causes watery diarrhea and vomiting that can last up to a week.
- Adenovirus: While adenovirus usually causes respiratory infections, it can also infect the stomach and intestines, particularly in young children. Gastrointestinal symptoms from adenovirus are generally less severe but can still lead to dehydration if not managed.
- Astrovirus: Astrovirus primarily affects children under the age of three and often spreads in childcare centers. The virus causes mild symptoms like diarrhea, which usually resolve within a few days.
4 Stomach Flu Stages You Should Know
Understanding the four stages of stomach flu can help you recognize when you’re contagious and how long to expect symptoms. Here are the four stages as outlined by the Cleveland Clinic:
- Exposure: You may catch the stomach flu by coming into contact with an infected person, contaminated food, or surfaces. This can happen in public places like schools, offices, or cruise ships, where the virus can spread quickly.
- Incubation: After exposure, the virus begins to multiply in your body, but symptoms don’t appear immediately. The incubation period varies depending on the virus, but it usually takes one to three days for symptoms to develop.
- Acute Infection: During this stage, symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps appear as your body tries to fight off the virus. This phase can last anywhere from one to three days, though it may persist longer in some cases.
- Recovery: As symptoms subside, you may begin to feel better, but you can still spread the virus for several days after recovery. It’s important to practice good hygiene and avoid contact with others to prevent further transmission.
How To Prevent Stomach Flu
Preventing stomach flu requires diligent hygiene and careful food preparation. Here are some practical steps you can take:
- Good Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after caring for someone who is sick. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer if soap isn’t available.
- Disinfect Surfaces and Materials: Viruses like norovirus can survive on surfaces for days. Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas like countertops, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures.
- Practice Safe Food Preparation: Always cook food thoroughly, and avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats and seafood. Additionally, practice good food hygiene by washing fruits and vegetables before eating and keeping kitchen surfaces clean.
Treatment of Stomach Flu – Tips and Remedies
There is no specific cure for stomach flu, but you can manage symptoms with a few simple remedies:
- Rest: Give your body time to recover by staying at home and resting. Physical exertion can exacerbate symptoms, so it’s important to take it easy until you’re feeling better.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a common complication of stomach flu due to fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea. Drink clear fluids, such as water, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, to replenish lost electrolytes. Electrolyte powders are also a helpful option to maintain fluid balance. For an affordable solution, talk to your PharmaChoice pharmacist about Option+ electrolyte powders.
- Eat Bland Foods: Once your stomach settles, try eating easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, bananas, or rice. Avoid dairy, spicy, or fatty foods until you’re fully recovered.
- Medication: Over-the-counter anti-nausea and anti-diarrhea medications can help manage symptoms, but antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. Speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider if you’re unsure about which remedies are right for you.
- Children’s Care: Keep children hydrated by offering small, frequent sips of water or electrolyte drinks. Avoid sugary drinks like juice, as they can worsen diarrhea. If your child shows signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or dark urine, seek medical attention immediately.
When To Call a Doctor
While stomach flu typically resolves on its own, there are times when it’s essential to seek medical attention:
- If your symptoms haven’t improved after four days.
- A high fever persists for more than four days.
- You haven’t been able to urinate or defecate for two days.
- There is blood in your stool.
- Signs of dehydration, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, or dizziness, occur.
- You experience severe abdominal pain.
Common Stomach Flu Questions
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug?
The quickest way to recover from a stomach bug is to rest, stay hydrated with clear fluids, and eat bland foods once your stomach can handle it. Electrolyte solutions can also help replenish lost fluids. Avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods until you’re fully recovered.
How long does stomach flu last?
Stomach flu symptoms typically last one to three days but can persist up to 10 days in more severe cases. Even after symptoms subside, you may continue to be contagious for a few days, so it’s important to practice good hygiene.
What is the best medicine for stomach flu?
There is no specific medicine to cure the stomach flu, but over-the-counter anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medications may help alleviate symptoms. It’s essential to focus on hydration and rest. Always consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Learn More About Stomach Flu Treatment – Talk to Your Local PharmaChoice Pharmacist
If you’re dealing with stomach flu symptoms, it’s important to take care of your body and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
For personalized advice or to find the right over-the-counter remedies, visit your nearest PharmaChoice pharmacy.
Our healthcare professionals are ready to assist you in finding the best treatment options to help you recover quickly and comfortably from stomach flu.
