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How Can One Avoid Getting Stomach Flu?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Mar 2019
Question: Hello, my son and husband have both suffered from the stomach flu over the last week. Can you tell me if it’s possible for them to be re-infected by the germs now in our house (if I don’t clean it up well enough/quick enough)? Also when is safe to consider that I won’t contact the virus? I’m 8 months pregnant.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (14 minutes later)
Brief Answer:

Definitely yes, if he would drink water from the same glass he used at the time of infection he would be reinfected.

Its not always virus it can be bacteria and protozoa also.

It is highly contagious.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Most of the times stomach flu is caused by a virus but sometimes it could be due to bad bacterias like E.coli and protozoans also. Therefore without a stool test, we can't assume that it was viral. If treated improperly it could be recurrent also termed as chronic Gastroenteritis.

This infection is spread mainly by feco oral route therefore as you are 8 months pregnant. Avoid eating in the same plate or sharing spoons etc. Drink boiled water. Wash your hand with disinfectant before taking food.

Ask your husband and son to get a stool test done to look for residual infection.

As you are in last trimester a prophylactic antibacterial and protozoal therapy for 3 days can be taken by your husband and son.

Tab Zithromax
Tab Secnidazole (both are a prescription drug)

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (2 hours later)
If it’s viral can they still be re-infected? Is there anything I can take to stop the vomiting when/if I get it? After being exposed twice in one week, what is the time frame for infection if it’s viral?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:

Hello there,

The virus is self-limiting and has a life span of 10 days.

The time frame is 10-14 days.

For vomiting use over the counter Zofran.

Hope I have answered your query.

Thanks!

Regards,
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Gastroenterologist
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Ramesh Kumar

Gastroenterologist

Practicing since :1986

Answered : 2906 Questions

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How Can One Avoid Getting Stomach Flu?

Brief Answer: Definitely yes, if he would drink water from the same glass he used at the time of infection he would be reinfected. Its not always virus it can be bacteria and protozoa also. It is highly contagious. Detailed Answer: Hello, Most of the times stomach flu is caused by a virus but sometimes it could be due to bad bacterias like E.coli and protozoans also. Therefore without a stool test, we can't assume that it was viral. If treated improperly it could be recurrent also termed as chronic Gastroenteritis. This infection is spread mainly by feco oral route therefore as you are 8 months pregnant. Avoid eating in the same plate or sharing spoons etc. Drink boiled water. Wash your hand with disinfectant before taking food. Ask your husband and son to get a stool test done to look for residual infection. As you are in last trimester a prophylactic antibacterial and protozoal therapy for 3 days can be taken by your husband and son. Tab Zithromax Tab Secnidazole (both are a prescription drug) Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards.