If I've been in contact with someone who has gastroenteritis how long would it take for me to develop symptoms?

Question

One of my colleagues told me that her two children had gastroenteritis at home but she still came to work which really frightened me. I'm rather germaphobic so I don't really want a stomach bug. I disinfected my hands at least 100 times, I didn't touch her and when I came back I went straight to the shower and then I washed my phone etc. So I took all the precautions but I'm still afraid because I have a cold now and my immune system is not the strongest! So my question is when can I start having symptoms? Let's say after 3 days it's almost impossible for me to catch it or can it take a while to manifest? (Sorry I'm not very clear ahah)

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello, thank you for your question! The person is contagious as long as they have symptoms. The best prevention is washing hands and surfaces that have been touched/handled. There is usually an incubation period of 24-48 hours before symptoms occur. We hope this has been helpful and if you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Tom Samaha, pharmacist