Can stomach flu be contagious?

Gastroenteritis often causes diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, fever, or loss of appetite. A person can pass germs on when tiny particles from vomit or stool reach another person’s hands, mouth, food, or household surfaces. The risk is especially practical to manage after toilet use, during cleaning, and when caring for a child who is vomiting.

A person may still spread infection while symptoms are present and for a period after they improve. The exact contagious period depends on the germ and the individual, so follow advice from a clinician or local public-health service if an outbreak is suspected.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the toilet, changing nappies, cleaning vomit, and before preparing or eating food. Alcohol hand gel may not remove every stomach bug effectively. Clean toilet handles, taps, flushes, and frequently touched surfaces, and wash soiled clothing or bedding separately when possible.

Do not share towels, cups, or utensils while someone is ill. The sick person should avoid preparing food for others and stay home from work, school, or group activities until they have recovered and have followed any return advice. Drink frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration fluid to replace losses.

Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, severe abdominal pain, blood in stool or vomit, repeated vomiting that prevents drinking, or a high fever with a very unwell appearance. Get medical advice sooner for babies, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with reduced immunity or a long-term condition.

Ask how long you should avoid close contact, whether anyone exposed needs monitoring, which cleaning method is suitable, and how to recognise dehydration. Tell the clinician when symptoms began and whether others in the home have similar symptoms.