Is Stomach Flu Contagious?

That, of course, depends on the cause of the intestinal flu. If you got sick because you had a sensitivity reaction to foods like dairy products or to chemicals, washing your hands won't do anything—because your illness isn't contagious.

However, if you have a bacterial or viral stomach flu, you can stop or limit the spread of the infection by practicing good personal hygiene and proper hand washing frequently.

• Wash your hands after you use the bathroom.

• Wash your hands after changing a baby's diaper.

• Wash your hands before preparing or serving foods.

• If you are unsure of the safety of water, drink bottled water.

• Make sure you know how to wash hands properly and when to wash hands.
  
  

  

  Stomach flu can be spread by swimming in contaminated water.
  Photo courtesy of Nicki Varkevisser

  
  

  Stomach flu is contagious and can be spread from one person to another. Personal hygiene and making sure that you don't come into contact with the body fluids of an infected person can help in prevention of stomach flu.

  Precautions such as washing hands before and after having food and after going to bathroom are make sense and they will help you, and others avoid getting stomach flu.

  If you have a question that you would like to discuss with a physician online, LIVE, doctors online advice often will give you an answer within minutes.
  
  

  
  
  
  

  Return to Virus Information

  Stomach Flu Treatment Video

  Stomach Flu Symptoms

  Remedy for Stomach Flu

  Stomach Flu Duration

  Stomach Flu in Children

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