How it worksSafetyHealth libraryOur mission Sign in Start a free consult
Pymander
Free consult

Stomach bug at BU: when can I go back to class?

Updated Oct 3, 20265 min readAnswer
On this pageShort answer What to do Getting around while sick at BU Living situation at BU Care near BU When to get help right away Common questions from students Common questions Related questions Sources
Short answer

Wait at least 48 hours after your vomiting and diarrhea stop before going back to class or the dining hall.

Norovirus spreads through dorms and dining halls. You can still spread it for days after you feel better.

Stomach bug at BU: when can I go back to class? Ask our AI doctor - a straight answer in plain language, free, 24/7. Start a free consult Free · Private · 24/7
Stomach bug at BU: when can I go back to class?Start a free AI doctor consult

What to do

  • Sip fluids often and rest
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, because hand sanitizer is not enough
  • Clean shared bathrooms with a bleach-based product
  • Stay out of the dining hall for 48 hours after symptoms stop

Getting around while sick at BU

BU's campus stretches along the Charles River, so a trip to the nearest clinic can mean a long walk or a T ride.

You may be riding the Green Line B branch along Commonwealth Avenue. Do not ride crowded trains or go to the dining hall until 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Living situation at BU

Many BU students live in off-campus apartments in Allston, Brighton and Fenway, where roommates share kitchens and bathrooms. Use a separate bathroom if you can, and clean shared surfaces with a bleach-based product.

Care near BU

Your first stop is usually BU Student Health Services on Commonwealth Avenue. Call or check its website for hours and how to be seen. For emergencies, Boston Medical Center in the South End or call 911. Pymander is free to text and is not affiliated with Boston University. It is a medical AI, not a licensed doctor.

When to get help right away

Trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion, a stiff neck with fever, or being unable to keep fluids down are reasons to go to urgent care or the ER, or call 911.

Common questions from students

Can I ride the Green Line B branch with a stomach bug? Do not ride crowded trains or go to the dining hall until 48 hours after symptoms stop.

What should I tell my roommates at BU? Use a separate bathroom if you can, and clean shared surfaces with a bleach-based product.

Should I tell my professor at BU? If you will miss class or an exam, email your professor and ask your campus health center for a note if you need one.

Is it a real doctor? No. It is a medical AI system, not a licensed doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

Common questions

Stomach bug at BU: when can I go back to class?

Wait at least 48 hours after your vomiting and diarrhea stop before going back to class or the dining hall. Norovirus spreads through dorms and dining halls. You can still spread it for days after you feel better.

Can I ride the Green Line B branch with a stomach bug?

Do not ride crowded trains or go to the dining hall until 48 hours after symptoms stop.

What should I tell my roommates at BU?

Use a separate bathroom if you can, and clean shared surfaces with a bleach-based product.

Should I tell my professor at BU?

If you will miss class or an exam, email your professor and ask your campus health center for a note if you need one.

Is it a real doctor?

No. It is a medical AI system, not a licensed doctor. In an emergency, call 911.

About this page. Written and maintained by the Pymander Health team. Last updated October 3, 2026.

Questions about this?Start a free consult