How long are stomach viruses contagious
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Contagious Period of Stomach Viruses
Introduction to Stomach Viruses
Stomach viruses, also known as enteric viruses, are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. These viruses can spread through person-to-person contact, contaminated food and water, and environmental surfaces1. Understanding how long these viruses remain contagious is crucial for controlling their spread.
Survival and Contagiousness on Surfaces
Enteric viruses can survive on various surfaces for different durations, influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and organic content. Research indicates that these viruses can remain viable on surfaces from a few hours to as long as 140 days, depending on the conditions1. This extended survival period on surfaces highlights the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene practices to prevent transmission.
Norovirus Contagious Period
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis. The contagious period for norovirus typically begins when symptoms start and can last for several days after recovery. Studies suggest that individuals can remain contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve, although the highest risk of transmission is during the acute phase of the illness3. This extended period of contagiousness underscores the need for continued precautions even after symptoms subside.
SARS-CoV-2 and Gastrointestinal Involvement
While primarily a respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) has also been shown to infect the gastrointestinal tract and can be shed in feces. This fecal-oral transmission route suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could potentially spread through contaminated surfaces and environments, similar to other enteric viruses2. The stability of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment further complicates efforts to control its spread.
Conclusion
Stomach viruses can remain contagious for varying periods, influenced by the type of virus and environmental conditions. Norovirus, for example, can be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms resolve, while other enteric viruses can survive on surfaces for extended periods. Understanding these factors is essential for implementing effective control measures to prevent the spread of these viruses. Continued research and adherence to hygiene practices are vital in managing the transmission of stomach viruses.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The survival and inactivation of enteric viruses on soft surfaces: A systematic review of the literature.
Enteric viruses can survive on nonlaunderable soft surfaces for up to 140 days, with environmental factors like temperature and humidity influencing their survival, and the effectiveness of liquid and vaporous chemistries varies based on surface and virus type.
Systematic ReviewIs SARS-CoV-2 Also an Enteric Pathogen With Potential Fecal–Oral Transmission? A COVID-19 Virological and Clinical Review
SARS-CoV-2 may also be an enteric virus with potential fecal-oral transmission, contributing to the rapid spread and proliferation of this pandemic.
Highly CitedDuration of Immunity to Norovirus Gastroenteritis
The duration of immunity to norovirus gastroenteritis is estimated at 4.1 to 8.7 years, with children under 5 years old being more infectious than older children and adults.
Highly CitedInferred duration of infectious period of SARS-CoV-2: rapid scoping review and analysis of available evidence for asymptomatic and symptomatic COVID-19 cases
Inferring the infectious period of COVID-19 from repeated diagnosis, viral loads, and replication data alone has limitations and potential patient recall bias, but data provides a preliminary evidence base for models.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedSARS-CoV-2 detection, viral load and infectivity over the course of an infection
Abstract Objectives To summarise the evidence on the detection pattern and viral load of SARS-CoV-2 over the course of an infection (including any asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic phase), and the duration of infectivity. Methods A systematic literature search was undertaken in PubMed, Europe PubMed Central and EMBASE from 30 December 2019 to 12 May 2020. Results We identified 113 studies conducted in 17 countries. The evidence from upper respiratory tract samples suggests that the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 peaks around symptom onset or a few days thereafter, and becomes undetectable about two weeks after symptom onset; however, viral loads from sputum samples may be higher, peak later and persist for longer. There is evidence of prolonged virus detection in stool samples, with unclear clinical significance. No study was found that definitively measured the duration of infectivity; however, patients may not be infectious for the entire duration of virus detection, as the presence of viral ribonucleic acid may not represent transmissible live virus. Conclusion There is a relatively consistent trajectory of SARS-CoV-2 viral load over the course of COVID-19 from respiratory tract samples, however the duration of infectivity remains uncertain.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedThe duration of infectiousness of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 patients with mild-to-moderate illness are highly unlikely to be infectious beyond 10 days of symptoms, but those with severe-to-critical illness or immunocompromised may shed infectious virus for longer.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedStability of the COVID-19 virus under wet, dry and acidic conditions
The COVID-19 virus can survive for three days in wet and dry environments, with high concentrations showing some tolerance to acidic environments, suggesting it may survive in the stomach for up to 60 minutes.
In Vitro Study
PreprintTHE ISOLATION OF POLIOMYELITIS VIRUS FROM HUMAN EXTRA-NEURAL SOURCES. III. PERSISTENCE OF VIRUS IN STOOLS AFTER ACUTE INFECTION.
The average duration of virus excretion in stools after acute poliomyelitis infection is four weeks, with a rare chronic carrier state similar to typhoid fever occurring in poliomyelitis.
The Incubation Periods of Dengue Viruses
Dengue virus incubation periods vary by temperature, with 95% of EIPs between 5 and 33 days at 25°C and 2 and 15 days at 30°C, and no significant differences between serotypes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedThe ecology of enteroviruses in natural waters
Enteric viruses can persist in natural waters for long periods, with potential routes of transmission back to man, and require further investigation and management strategies to prevent their spread.
Highly Cited