How long are you contagious after vomiting and diarrhea?

The duration of contagiousness after vomiting or diarrhea varies depending on the specific illness. In general, it is recommended to follow these guidelines to prevent the spread of infection:

1. Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu): Most people with viral gastroenteritis are contagious for 2 to 3 days after symptoms start, but some people may remain contagious for up to 10 days.

2. Bacterial gastroenteritis (food poisoning): The duration of contagiousness for bacterial gastroenteritis varies depending on the type of bacteria. For example, Salmonella can be spread for up to 2 weeks, while E. coli can be spread for up to 10 days.

3. Norovirus: Norovirus is highly contagious and can be spread from the moment symptoms start until several days after symptoms have resolved.

4. Rotavirus: Rotavirus is also highly contagious and can be spread for several days before and after symptoms appear.

5. Cryptosporidium: Cryptosporidium can be spread for up to 2 weeks after symptoms start.

6. Giardia: Giardia can be spread for up to 2 weeks after symptoms start.

It is important to note that these are general guidelines and the actual duration of contagiousness can vary from person to person. The best way to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses is to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding contact with people who are sick. If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, it is important to stay home from work or school to prevent spreading the infection to others.