Will I still be contagious? (Norovirus related)

[Mykittensmittens]

Posting as I can’t find anything concrete on the NHS guidance page.

I have had what I can only presume is Norovirus. Returned home from holiday late Thursday. During Thursday day we shared plates of food and no one else was or is unwell so assume not food related and didn’t feel like food poisoning which I’ve had the pleasure of having before. Woke yesterday just feeling a bit ‘off’ - tad nauseous. Then really sudden onset diarrhoea and nausea. Sorry for the TMI but literally must have gone to the loo 20+ times in 12 hours - and it was utterly grim. I didn’t eat all that day, but today I have managed some toast late PM. I’ve been sipping dioralyte and weak squash. Even though I’ve not been sick my stomach muscles (in fact all my muscles) are aching badly. I also had shivers and sweats last night.

making the assumption it’s Norovirus, do I need to avoid a large work function on weds? Loads of people in a packed room for 6 hours plus a long commute for me? Am I likely to be still contagious by then if things stay settled? Or will I feel rubbish too? Never had it before. I need to call out non-attendance first thing Monday and cancel any childcare so trying to get my thoughts in order.

thanks

That doesn’t sound like norovirus. Just a standard stomach bug. You will be contagious for 48 hours after the last bout of stomach issue. So by Wednesday (5 days later) you will be absolutely fine to go to work.

I'd give it 48 hours from your last toilet incident

@TeaKitten thanks - I’ll still be working but it’s whether I’ll go to the event.

You wouldn’t be contagious and will very likely feel back to normal so I can’t see any reason not to go. Obviously if your symptoms come back that’s different

I’d give it 48 hrs from the last bout of diarrhoea. That’s the guidance at my workplace,

If you're clear of symptoms for 48 hours before the event then that fits with the generally accepted way of doing things after a noro type thing, and you would therefore be fine to go.

Just as an fyi, you can still be contagious for a long time afterwards (weeks) although it will be diminishing in contagiousness throughout that period. Not a big issue for your work event, but worth bearing in mind if considering whether to spend time with a vulnerable family member 48 hours after a bug.