Healthy Tides

Flu and “Stomach Bugs” or “Stomach Flu” Are Not the Same

1.26.2026 | Heather Cooper

A mother checks her daughters temperature

Viral illness season is in full swing, and many families are feeling the impact. Friends, family, coworkers, and online communities are comparing notes on symptoms and trading advice to speed recovery. These discussions often involve people confusing seasonal flu with a “stomach bug” (sometimes referred to as “stomach flu.”) But there are important differences between these two illnesses, the biggest one being that only one of them can be prevented or reduced in severity with the annual flu vaccine. This quick guide can help you prevent both seasonal flu and stomach bugs.

What is Seasonal Flu (Influenza)

Seasonal flu is formally called influenza because it’s caused by influenza viruses. It affects the nose, throat and lungs, so it’s a respiratory illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and tiredness. Symptoms in young children can include vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Flu is spread from person to person when infected people cough, sneeze or touch objects.

Flu season usually begins in December and lasts until April or May. Washington state currently has a high level of flu activity, with young children being especially hard hit with the flu this year.

What Is the Best Way to Protect Myself, My Family and My Community from Seasonal Flu?

The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting infected with the flu. Even if you or your child still gets sick with influenza, flu vaccination can reduce the severity of illness. Of the 289 children who died from flu and flu-associated illness in the U.S. last flu season, about 9 out of 10 were not fully vaccinated against the flu. Thousands more children needed to be hospitalized to recover from the flu.

It’s never too late to get the flu vaccine at any point in the season. Everyone 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine each year. Children 6 months through 8 years of age should receive two doses if this is the first time they’re getting a flu vaccine or if they've only had one dose in the past. The doses are given four weeks apart. Children 9 and older and children who have received two or more doses in the past only need one dose this flu season. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you have any questions.

See below for more ways to protect against seasonal flu.

Learn more about seasonal flu, including where to get a flu vaccine and how to treat seasonal flu.

What Are “Stomach Bugs” (Viral Gastroenteritis)

“Stomach bugs” are formally called viral gastroenteritis. It’s an infection of the stomach and intestine caused by a virus. Common viruses are norovirus and rotavirus. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and stomach pain. It’s easily passed from person to person through unwashed hands, surfaces touched by people who are sick, and close contact with someone who is sick.

This infection is very common, especially in the winter months. It can easily spread in daycares, school communities, cruise ships and nursing homes.

How Can I Prevent Stomach Bugs for Myself, My Family and My Community?

The best way to prevent stomach bugs is through thorough handwashing, especially after using the toilet, and through proper food handling. Wash hands with soap and water whenever possible. Hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, one of the viruses that can cause stomach illness.

There is a vaccine to help prevent rotavirus in infants. Rotavirus is one of the viruses that can cause gastroenteritis. The rotavirus vaccine is recommended for infants starting at 2 months old. Learn more about rotavirus, including prevention, symptoms and treatment.

The flu vaccine will not protect against stomach bugs.

More Ways to Prevent Seasonal Flu and Stomach Bugs

Wash hands properly with soap and water often, especially before eating and after bathroom use.
Stay home from daycare, school or work when sick.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, kitchens and bathrooms.
Cover coughs and sneezes and teach kids to do that, too.
Don’t share cups, utensils, towels and personal items.