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Stomach Flu Prevention
In the case of stomach flu, prevention methods include such things as reducing your exposure to stomach flu viruses and properly cleaning potentially infected surfaces. Currently, there are no vaccines used in stomach flu prevention, with the exception of a newly released vaccine against rotavirus.
No vaccine is available for the stomach flu, with the exception of the rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix®, RotaTeq®). These vaccines are given by mouth and are given with other standard childhood immunizations.
Otherwise, stomach flu prevention involves reducing your chances of coming in contact with stomach flu viruses.
You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with stomach flu viruses by following these preventive steps:
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with stomach flu viruses after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap)
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet, and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
People with the stomach flu should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD