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Is the Stomach Flu Virus Contagious?

The stomach flu virus is highly contagious and can be spread through direct or indirect contact. Steps can be taken to reduce becoming infected or infecting others.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, contagious symptoms of the stomach flu may include a fever, stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headaches, sore throat, fatigue, and chills. More common in children but occasionally present in adults, vomiting, nausea or diarrhea may accompany the symptoms.

    Contagious period

    • The flu can be contagious as soon as 24 hours before symptoms appear. To avoid spreading the virus, the Centers for Disease Control recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after the fever has dissipated naturally.

    How the flu is spread

    • Influenza is spread in two ways. First, the virus can be spread through the air by an ill person sneezing or coughing. Also, germs can remain on inanimate objects and can be contracted through contact with those objects.

    Reducing the spread

    • Covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, frequent hand washing and disinfecting objects are good ways to reduce the spread of the contagious stomach flu virus.

    Treatment

    • Most instances of the stomach flu can be treated with over-the-counter fever reducers, cold medications, rest and fluids. For more severe cases of the stomach flu, a physician can prescribe an antiviral medication.

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