Can I catch diarrhea from my partner?

Can You Catch Diarrhea From Your Partner?

The short answer is yes, but it depends on what is causing it. If your partner has an infectious stomach illness—such as a virus like norovirus, or a bacterial infection like Salmonella or E. coli—it can easily pass from person to person.

Infectious diarrheal diseases spread primarily through the fecal-oral route. This happens when microscopic particles of stool containing germs end up on hands, shared surfaces, utensils, or food. Because couples naturally share physical space, meals, and close contact, germs can transfer quickly if strict hygiene isn't maintained.

However, not every bout of diarrhea is contagious. If your partner’s symptoms stem from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dietary sensitivity, stress, or medication side effects, you cannot catch it. These conditions are non-infectious and pose no threat to anyone else.

If you suspect a bug is going around, protect yourself by practicing thorough handwashing with soap and water, avoiding shared eating utensils, and disinfecting common bathroom surfaces until symptoms resolve completely.