Yes, stomach viruses (like Norovirus) are highly contagious and can be spread through the air in tiny droplets when an infected person vomits, but the primary ways are fecal-oral (touching contaminated hands/surfaces) and consuming contaminated food/water. The virus is shed in vomit and stool, making airborne spread a real risk in outbreaks, especially when someone throws up.
Norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. You can catch it if small particles of vomit or stools (poo) from an infected person get into your mouth through: close contact with someone with norovirus who may breathe out small particles of the virus that you then inhale.
Since these viruses are highly contagious, it is recommended to stay home until all symptoms (including vomiting and diarrhea) have passed. Fortunately, the “stomach bug” symptoms do not usually last more than 48 hours.
If someone in your household vomits or has diarrhea due to a stomach bug, clean and disinfect hard surfaces in the area. Put on rubber or disposable gloves, clean up the area, then disinfect the area using a bleach-based household cleaner. Anyone who is sick should not be in areas where food is being prepared.
Preventing norovirus
While norovirus is highly contagious, it is not an airborne illness like COVID-19. Droplets and particles containing norovirus are transmitted by person-to-person contact, on surfaces, or by consuming contaminated food or beverages.
Norovirus is very contagious
In fact, people with norovirus shed billions of virus particles both in their stool and in vomit. And the virus can linger on objects and surfaces for days or even weeks, spreading easily in crowded environments such as nursing homes, day care centers and cruise ships.
Last Update: February 23, 2023; Next update: 2026. Stomach bugs are very contagious. They are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and spread through droplets of fluid in the air or through contact with infected people or contaminated objects.
Symptoms usually appear within 1 to 2 days being exposed to the virus. Most people with norovirus feel better a day or two after their symptoms begin. But they're contagious for a few days after they recover. The virus can stay in the stool for two weeks or more after recovery.
In a plastic bucket, mix 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach in a gallon of water. This solution is great at killing norovirus, but becomes less potent if it is exposed to a lot of organic matter (such as vomit or stool).
If a group of people is exposed to a strain of norovirus, who gets sick will depend on each person's blood type. But, if the same group of people is exposed to a different strain of norovirus, different people may be resistant or susceptible.
However, it is possible that being near an infected person while they're sick, or while cleaning up after them, could expose you to tiny droplets of vomit or feces that contain the virus. Theoretically, these can enter your mouth, so wearing a mask during clean-up can still be a good idea.
Signs and symptoms of norovirus infection may start suddenly and include:
Provided you've got clean hands, she says you should be OK to share a bed or sleep in the same room as a partner or child. Be aware, though, that the infection may also be spread in the air when people vomit.
People who have norovirus are still contagious for 48 to 72 hours after recovering. You should limit certain activities, but you may be able to resume others. To reduce your risk of spreading the stomach bug to others: Avoid preparing and serving food.
Noroviruses are relatively resistant to heat and can survive temperatures as high as 145°F. Quick steaming processes will not heat foods enough to kill noroviruses. Food contaminated with norovirus may look, smell, or taste normal.
Gastroenteritis is a common bacterial infection that causes diarrhoea and vomiting - it affects 1 in 5 people in the UK each year of all ages. This infection can be easily spread from person to person through close contact, such as shaking hands or hugging someone who has the virus.
Norovirus is very contagious; it spreads very easily and quickly. You can get norovirus from sick people and through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. You are most contagious when you have symptoms of norovirus illness or during the few days after you feel better.
Self care
Use disposable plates, utensils, and cups for anyone who is ill with symptoms suggestive of Norovirus. Place them in your designated trash container after use. Do not share food or drink with an infected person and be sure to keep that person out of the area where food is being prepared.
The way a 24-hour stomach bug feels can be similar to other health issues like food poisoning or bacterial infections, making it difficult to identify without professional diagnosis. The initial impact of a 24-hour stomach bug is quite severe, disrupting day-to-day life significantly.
To avoid gastro when a family member is sick, practice meticulous hand hygiene (soap & water for 20+ secs), disinfect contaminated surfaces (use bleach solution), isolate the sick person's belongings, and avoid sharing utensils, towels, or food, as the virus spreads easily through contact with vomit/diarrhea and airborne particles, with infectiousness lasting even after symptoms disappear.
Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache. Low-grade fever.
You're most contagious during the acute phase of the infection (when you have symptoms) and for a few days after.
Knowing what to say when you're sick with diarrhea can be tricky. Neither you nor your boss want to discuss the details of your bowel movements. A good way to phrase this is: “I have a GI bug, and I won't be able to come to work.” If the diarrhea is related to a known food poisoning, you can bring this up, too.
You are considered infectious for as long as diarrhea continues. Microorganisms causing diarrhea are spread from hand to mouth; hand washing, care with diapering, and staying out of work or school are a few ways to prevent infecting family and other contacts.