Is this a Stomach Virus?

Is a stomach virus inevitable?

• My husband, son and I are living with my Dad, Mom, Sister, Brother-in-law, and their baby boy. My dad and my nephew both have symptoms of a stomach virus. The symptoms started showing up yesterday morning for my nephew and last night for my dad. My nephew has a fever. My dad does not. Both have been throwing up and both have diarheah (or however you spell that infernal word) Questions: -Once you have the virus, when you are most contagious? Are you more contagious before you have symptoms or after or both or neither? -How long is the incubation period for stomach viruses? -Would the flu shot help my son not to get it? -How can you tell the difference between food poisoning and viral infection? -How are stomach viruses spread? My BIG concern is that we are going on vacation next week and I'd hate for my son to be sick. If he were to get the virus, do you think he would get it and be over it by next weekend? Oh please say yes. I'm going nuts here!

• Answer:

  A stomach virus is not contagious, except through the gut.Your Dad and nephew acquired it from something they ate or drank. Stomach viruses have a short incubation period. Your son probably did not eat the same thing, or he would have got the infection by now. Those who have it should be careful about hand- washing and washing of utensils and dishes. The flu shot will not help. Food poisoning is almost the same.