Flu shot: Will it prevent the stomach flu?

Answer Section

Getting a flu shot protects against the viruses that cause influenza, a disease of the breathing system. The flu shot does not protect against viruses that cause stomach flu, a disease of the intestines.

Influenza viruses don't cause stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis. Stomach flu is an infection caused by viruses that target the intestines, including rotaviruses and noroviruses.

You can reduce your risk of influenza and gastroenteritis by getting vaccines on the recommended schedule.

Getting an influenza shot every year lowers the chance of getting the flu or having severe complications from the flu. Two oral rotavirus vaccines are available for infants starting at age 2 months. These vaccines, called RotaTeq and Rotarix, are given in multiple doses for robust protection against rotavirus gastroenteritis.

Viruses that cause gastroenteritis spread between people who are in close contact. They are spread through contact with the stool or vomit from a sick person.

So in addition to vaccination, there are actions you can take to lower your risk of flu or stomach flu. These include:

• Wash your hands. Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Wash fruits and vegetables. Risk of illness from norovirus, a cause of gastroenteritis, can be lowered by washing foods you plan to eat raw. Throw out food that might be contaminated with norovirus. And don't make or handle food if you are ill for at least two days after your symptoms end.
• Avoid touching your face. Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth helps keep germs away from those places.
• Clean surfaces. Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent transferring germs from a contaminated surface to your face. For stomach flu, immediately disinfect the area where someone vomits or has diarrhea. Wash laundry soiled with vomit or stool in hot water and dry on high heat if possible.

If you catch a virus that causes stomach flu, you may be able to spread the virus to others before you have symptoms. So it's a good idea to take these actions regularly and especially when you know these viruses are spreading in your area.