There are a few common stomach viruses that have been circulating recently. The main ones are norovirus and rotavirus. Norovirus is often called the “stomach flu” or “food poisoning” and rotavirus often affects young children.
What are the symptoms of the stomach virus?
The most common symptoms of both norovirus and rotavirus are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Body aches
The symptoms often start suddenly and last for 1-3 days. Norovirus symptoms tend to be more intense than rotavirus, but both can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replaced.
How do you catch the stomach virus?
Norovirus and rotavirus are highly contagious. They spread easily from person to person and can also be transmitted through contaminated food or water. The viruses can spread through:
- Having direct contact with an infected person
- Consuming contaminated food or water
- Touching contaminated surfaces then putting hands in mouth
- Exposure to vomit or feces from infected person
Norovirus is notorious for spreading quickly in crowded places like schools, cruise ships, or hospitals. Proper hand hygiene is important to prevent transmission.
Who is most at risk for the stomach virus?
Some groups are at higher risk for contracting and becoming seriously ill from norovirus and rotavirus:
- Young children
- Elderly
- People with compromised immune systems
- Healthcare workers
- Travelers
- People in group living situations (nursing homes, dorms, etc)
Young children under age 5 are most severely affected by rotavirus. Adults with underlying health conditions also face increased risks associated with dehydration from the viruses.
How is the stomach virus diagnosed?
Norovirus and rotavirus can’t be diagnosed through symptoms alone, as they share symptoms with other gastrointestinal illnesses. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm the virus. This may involve:
- Stool sample tested for presence of virus
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral RNA
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for viral antigens
If an outbreak is occurring in a community, a doctor may diagnose based on symptoms after ruling out bacterial infections like E. coli. Routine testing is not always needed unless symptoms are severe or person is at high risk.
What is the treatment for the stomach virus?
There are no medications that kill norovirus or rotavirus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms:
- Drinking fluids – Oral rehydration solutions can help replenish fluids and electrolytes
- Over-the-counter medications – For fever, nausea, pain
- Resting – Give stomach time to recover
- Eating bland foods – Toast, rice, applesauce when able to keep food down
Symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days. Hospitalization may be required if dehydration becomes severe, especially in infants, elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
How can you prevent getting the stomach virus?
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to prevent norovirus and rotavirus infection:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using bathroom and before eating
- Avoid close contact with infected people
- Disinfect surfaces
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Avoid food/water that may be contaminated
- Get vaccinated – Rotavirus vaccines are available for infants
Isolation of infected people, particularly in group settings like daycares and nursing homes, can help control outbreaks. There are no vaccines for norovirus yet.
Who is at risk during a stomach virus outbreak?
| Group | Risk Level |
|---|---|
| Young children under 5 years | High risk – Rotavirus especially dangerous |
| Elderly over 65 years | Moderate risk – Increased risk of dehydration |
| Healthcare workers | Moderate risk – Increased exposure in facilities |
| People with compromised immune systems | High risk – More likely to become severely ill |
| Travelers | Moderate risk – Norovirus outbreaks common on cruise ships |
| Group living facilities | High risk – Viruses spread quickly in crowded conditions |
Taking preventative measures like hand washing and isolation of sick individuals is especially important for high risk groups during an outbreak.
How long does the stomach virus last?
The typical duration of illness is:
- Norovirus – 12 to 48 hours
- Rotavirus – 3 to 8 days
Most people recover completely within 1-3 days. However, some people may continue to feel tired and have gastrointestinal issues for a week or more after other symptoms resolve.
Norovirus symptoms generally have a faster onset and shorter duration than rotavirus. But in both cases, people are considered contagious until 2-3 days after symptoms stop.
Can you get the stomach virus more than once?
Yes, it is possible to contract norovirus and rotavirus multiple times because:
- Immunity after infection is short-lived
- Many different virus strains exist
- Viruses continuously mutate into new strains
After exposure, immunity to that specific virus strain develops but typically lasts less than 6 months. Over a lifetime, recurrent infections with different norovirus or rotavirus strains are common.
When are you contagious with a stomach virus?
Norovirus and rotavirus are highly contagious viruses. In general:
- People are contagious starting 1-2 days before symptoms appear
- Peak infectivity occurs during first 24-48 hours of illness
- Viruses shed for 2-3 days after symptoms resolve
This means someone recovering from a stomach virus can still transmit it for several days after they feel better. Careful hand washing and disinfection of surfaces remains important during this time.
Can a stomach virus turn into something worse?
Norovirus and rotavirus infections rarely lead to serious complications or become life-threatening. However, a few key complications can develop if proper treatment is not given:
- Dehydration – Most serious risk, especially in vulnerable groups
- Malnutrition – Can occur if severe vomiting/diarrhea prevents absorption of nutrients
- Reactive arthritis – Joint pain and inflammation weeks after viral gastroenteritis
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome – Kidney failure due to E. coli infection triggered by stomach virus
Seeking medical attention is advised if symptoms do not improve after 24 hours at home or if signs of dehydration appear (dizziness, excessive thirst, dark urine, etc).
How effective is hand washing against the stomach virus?
Hand washing with soap and water is highly effective at removing norovirus and rotavirus particles from hands and preventing transmission. Key points:
- Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water
- Focus on palms, backs of hands, fingers, and under nails
- Wash after using bathroom, before eating, after contact with sick people
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are less effective against norovirus
Frequent and thorough hand washing, especially during outbreaks, can significantly reduce spread of these highly contagious viruses.
Conclusion
Norovirus and rotavirus are common causes of viral gastroenteritis responsible for widespread stomach virus outbreaks. While often self-limiting, they can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished. Vaccines and antiviral medications are not yet available for norovirus, making prevention through hand hygiene and disinfection essential to containing transmission, especially among high risk groups like children and the elderly.