exposure

[krebstar]

i know people can be contageous AFTER they get a s*v* for up to 72
hrs. or whatever, but what about BEFORE they experience
symptoms?

[thegooddr]

krebstar,



As a general rule, then no is the answer. To be infectious they
have to be actively shedding virus. In the case of norovirus,
which is an infection of the intestine, not the stomach, then it is
hard for virus to make its way up the gut before a person is v* and
therefore infectious. Even in the incubation period, very little
virus is shed into the feces and so they are not that infectious that
way either. Very Very different though once the symptoms start.



Of course there will always be exceptions to the rule and there are a
whole host of viruses and bacteria that can cause a stomach upset and
each will cary slightly as to when they can be transmitted.



Also remember that in the case of norovirus, there are
asymptomatic people who are infected and show no obvious signs of
infection, BUT these people have been shown to shed small amounts of
virus in the feces for weeks after infection.



Hope this doesn't make to many people paranoid, its not my intention.



Iain

[ontariogirl]

I found this info on the internet.


Myth: Handwashing is only really important if you are sick.
Fact: It is important that good handwashing practices always be followed. With many gastrointestinal illnesses (any illness that includes stomachache, diarrhea or vomiting), the infected person may be contagious before showing any symptoms