It’s a miserable experience when stomach flu hits. The nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea associated with it are enough to make anyone want to curl up in bed. If you’re a pet owner, especially when you’re under the weather, you might observe your furry friend exhibiting similar symptoms, leading you to wonder: Can Pets Get Stomach Flu From Humans? It’s a valid concern, particularly if you’re keen on keeping your beloved animals as healthy as possible.
To clarify, pets like dogs and cats have their own versions of noroviruses that cause gastrointestinal upset, mirroring the symptoms we experience. However, the question at hand is whether the specific noroviruses that typically infect humans can jump species and make our pets sick, and vice versa. Understanding this is crucial because if transmission is possible, it changes how we think about illness and hygiene within our households, especially when both humans and pets are involved. Let’s delve into what the science says about the potential for humans to pass “stomach flu,” or norovirus, to their pets.
What is Norovirus and “Stomach Flu”?
Often called “stomach flu,” norovirus is actually not related to the influenza virus at all. Instead, noroviruses are a group of highly contagious viruses that cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, affecting millions each year. It’s incredibly easy to catch; it takes very few virus particles to cause infection, which is why norovirus outbreaks can spread rapidly in places like homes, schools, and cruise ships.
The symptoms of norovirus infection in humans are quite unpleasant and typically include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever, headache, and body aches. These symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure and last for one to three days.
Can Human Norovirus Infect Pets? Research Insights
The question of whether human norovirus can infect pets has been the subject of scientific investigation. Several studies have explored this potential cross-species transmission.
Study in Finland (2012)
One study conducted in Finland in 2012 examined stool samples from dogs living with people who had recently experienced vomiting and diarrhea. Researchers screened these samples for human noroviruses and found them in four dogs that had direct contact with symptomatic humans. Interestingly, all of these norovirus-positive dogs lived in homes with young children, and two of the dogs showed mild gastrointestinal symptoms themselves.
The researchers concluded that human noroviruses could indeed survive within a dog’s gastrointestinal tract. While they couldn’t confirm if the virus replicated in dogs, they highlighted the “obvious” association of pet dogs potentially playing a role in the transmission of noroviruses that infect humans.
Study in the United Kingdom (2015)
Another significant study from 2015, titled “Evidence for Human Norovirus Infection of Dogs in the United Kingdom,” provided further insights. This research demonstrated that human norovirus could bind to canine gastrointestinal tissues. More strikingly, it found that 13% of the dogs studied had antibodies against human norovirus in their bloodstream. Antibodies indicate a previous infection, suggesting these dogs had indeed been infected with human norovirus at some point.
The types of human noroviruses found in these dogs closely matched the types circulating among humans in their communities. Although the study did not find evidence of human norovirus transmission through dog feces, it suggested that dogs could theoretically act as a reservoir for human norovirus.
What Does This Mean for Pet Owners?
These studies suggest that while it might not be a common occurrence, pets, particularly dogs, can be susceptible to human noroviruses. This doesn’t necessarily mean your dog will get as sick as you do if you have norovirus, but it does raise some important points for pet owners:
- Potential for Mild Symptoms: Some dogs in the studies did show mild gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating that human norovirus can indeed affect them, even if mildly.
- Reservoir Risk: The possibility of pets acting as reservoirs for human norovirus is perhaps the more significant concern. This means pets could potentially carry and shed the virus without showing severe symptoms, possibly contributing to the virus’s spread within a household and community.
- Hygiene is Key: Regardless of whether pets get noticeably sick, the research reinforces the importance of hygiene, especially when someone in the household is ill with suspected norovirus.
Protecting Your Pet and Yourself
Until more conclusive research emerges, practicing meticulous hygiene is the most sensible approach, particularly when anyone in your household, human or pet, shows signs of gastrointestinal illness. Here are some key hygiene practices to implement:
- Frequent Hand Washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after interacting with your pet.
- Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Norovirus can survive on surfaces for extended periods. Regularly disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, especially if someone in your home is sick. Use a bleach solution or a disinfectant effective against norovirus.
- Be Mindful of Pet Contact: While it’s comforting to cuddle with your pet when you’re sick, try to limit close contact if you suspect you have norovirus. Avoid letting your pet lick your face, especially when you are unwell.
- Clean Up Pet Accidents Promptly: If your pet has diarrhea or vomits, clean it up immediately and disinfect the area thoroughly to prevent potential spread of any pathogens, whether it’s norovirus or something else.
- Monitor Your Pet’s Health: Keep an eye on your pet for any signs of gastrointestinal upset, especially if someone in your household has been sick. If your pet develops vomiting or diarrhea, consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion: Prudence and Hygiene are Paramount
While research suggests that pets can indeed be infected with human noroviruses, the extent to which they get sick and contribute to the spread is still being investigated. Currently, there’s no definitive answer on how easily pets can contract stomach flu from humans or vice versa. However, the existing evidence underscores the importance of good hygiene practices in households with pets, especially when dealing with gastrointestinal illnesses. By maintaining a clean environment and practicing careful hygiene, you can help protect both yourself and your beloved pets from potential infections, including norovirus.
Learn More:
- CDC: Making a Norovirus Vaccine a Reality
- Emory University: Norovirus stays infective for months in water
Resources:
- Pet dogs–a transmission route for human noroviruses? Summa M, von Bonsdorff CH, Maunula L. J Clin Virol. 2012 Mar;53(3):244-7.
- Evidence for human norovirus infection of dogs in the United Kingdom. Caddy SL, de Rougemont A, Emmott E, El-Attar L, Mitchell JA, Hollinshead M, Belliot G, Brownlie J, Le Pendu J, Goodfellow I. J Clin Microbiol. 2015 Jun;53(6):1873-83.
WRITTEN BY: Jennifer Coates, DVM – Veterinarian
