Digestive illness: Can it spread? What's its typical duration?

Digestive illness: Can it spread? What's its typical duration?

Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, can be caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and chemicals. One common culprit is the norovirus, which is responsible for many outbreaks worldwide [1]. Symptoms of stomach flu can last between 1 day and 2 weeks, depending on the cause, with norovirus symptoms usually passing within 3 days [2].

During this period, a person is contagious and can spread the virus through close contact or by preparing food [1]. It's crucial to note that even after symptoms subside, a person may still be contagious for up to several days [1][2]. This is because viral shedding can continue for 48 to 72 hours after recovery [1].

To minimise the risk of spreading norovirus, it's recommended to avoid close contact with others and not prepare food for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop [1]. Research also suggests that people may shed the virus for weeks after recovery, although the highest transmission risk is within the first few days after symptoms end [3].

To prevent catching stomach flu caused by the norovirus, it's advisable to avoid preparing foods for others when sick and for 2 days after the symptoms end, cook shellfish thoroughly, wash hands frequently, rinse fruits and vegetables well, stay at home when sick and for 2 days after the symptoms end, and avoid drinks that contain excessive amounts of sugar, such as fruit juice and soda, since sugar can make diarrhea symptoms worse [4].

Symptoms of stomach flu in infants or children can include less frequent urination or no wet diapers for 3 or more hours, thirst, dry mouth, lack of energy, sunken cheeks or eyes, no tears when crying, and decreased skin turgor [4]. If these symptoms persist, it may indicate dehydration. Other symptoms of dehydration include high fever, diarrhea lasting for longer than 2 days, black, tarry, or bloody stool, severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, frequent vomiting, six or more loose stools in a day, and symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, less frequent urination, and sunken cheeks or eyes [4].

When recovering from stomach flu, it's essential to follow a bland diet and drink plenty of fluids containing electrolytes, such as low sugar sports drinks. Younger children can drink Pedialyte to consume fluids with electrolytes [4].

If you experience any symptoms of stomach flu, notice a change in your or another adult or child's mental state, or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, it's advisable to contact a doctor [2]. Vomiting in children can often stop after 24 hours, but if it increases after 24 hours, a parent or caregiver should contact a doctor [2].

References:

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Norovirus: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/symptoms.html

[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Norovirus: Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20369755

[3] Healthline. (2021). How Long Does Norovirus Last? https://www.healthline.com/health/norovirus-how-long

[4] KidsHealth.org. (2021). Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu). https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/gastro.html

1. Despite their recovery, individuals may still spread the norovirus because viral shedding can continue for 48 to 72 hours.
2. It's recommended to avoid close contact with others and not prepare food for at least 48 hours after symptoms stop to minimize the risk of spreading norovirus.
3. Symptoms of stomach flu in infants or children may include less frequent urination, thirst, dry mouth, lack of energy, sunken cheeks or eyes, no tears when crying, and decreased skin turgor.
4. If these symptoms persist, it may indicate dehydration, which can be potentially dangerous.
5. Other symptoms of dehydration include high fever, diarrhea lasting for longer than 2 days, black, tarry, or bloody stool, severe pain in the abdomen or rectum, frequent vomiting, six or more loose stools in a day, and symptoms of dehydration such as dry mouth, less frequent urination, and sunken cheeks or eyes.
6. To prevent catching stomach flu caused by the norovirus, it's advisable to avoid preparing foods for others when sick and for 2 days after the symptoms end.
7. Cooking shellfish thoroughly, washing hands frequently, rinsing fruits and vegetables well, staying at home when sick and for 2 days after the symptoms end, and avoiding drinks that contain excessive amounts of sugar can help prevent the spread of norovirus.
8. During the recovery period, it's essential to follow a bland diet and drink plenty of fluids containing electrolytes, such as low sugar sports drinks.
9. Younger children can drink Pedialyte to consume fluids with electrolytes.
10. If you experience any symptoms of stomach flu, notice a change in your or another adult or child's mental state, or if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, it's advisable to contact a doctor.
11. Vomiting in children can often stop after 24 hours, but if it increases after 24 hours, a parent or caregiver should contact a doctor.
12. Symptoms of stomach flu can last between 1 day and 2 weeks, depending on the cause, with norovirus symptoms usually passing within 3 days.
13. Research suggests that people may shed the norovirus for weeks after recovery, although the highest transmission risk is within the first few days after symptoms end.
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