Also known as stomach or gastric flu, gastroenteritis is a condition that is caused by a viral infection that results to the inflammation of both the stomach and small intestines.
This inflammation is often characterized by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and recurring pain in the abdominal area. Sometimes, it can even cause chills and fever. While gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus, it can also sometimes be caused by bacteria from contaminated food or drink. There are many types of viruses and bacteria that can cause gastric flu, and most of them come as a result of improper handling and preparation of food and water. Gastroenteritis is contagious and can be spread from one person to another through physical contact.
Since that is the case, perhaps the best and most obvious way to prevent the said condition is through the practice of proper hygiene, especially the washing of the hands. While virus and bacteria are present everywhere, washing of hands is most important when you are outside. Wash your hands after using a public toilet. Wash your hands before and after eating at a restaurant. Even at home, practice washing your hands before and after preparing food for the family. In the same manner, teach your kids the importance of washing their hands to prevent acquiring disease. If you have an infant at home, see to it that you wash your hands properly after diaper changes. Changing areas and bathrooms should also be kept well-sanitized to prevent the spread of virus. When washing your hands, make sure to use antibacterial soap. There are many antibacterial soap today are specifically designed to fight bacteria such as those that can cause gastroenteritis like salmonella.
Another important way to prevent gastroenteritis is to practice proper handling of food. Contaminated food and water are a very common source of virus and bacteria that cause gastric flu, so it would only make sense to observe good food hygiene. One way to minimize infection through contaminate food has been stated earlier, and that is the washing of hands when preparing food and before and after eating. Food that has not been cooked well can be a potential carrier of gastroenteritis-causing virus and bacteria, that’s why it’s very important to cook your food properly. Washing your produce properly before cooking them is also an excellent way to eliminate your risk for gastroenteritis. Most fresh fruits and vegetables can carry bacteria especially if they have come in contact with dirt or animal waste during transport. If you have a history of gastroenteritis, see to it that you avoid food that contain raw meat and eggs as these types of food have the potential of carrying salmonella and other virus and bacteria that can cause gastric flu. Furthermore, see to it that you store food at the right temperature especially leftovers.
When travelling, it is also very important to be cautious about the kind of food that you eat or drink. There are many cases of gastroenteritis that are a result of eating contaminated food and drink during a travel, also referred to as traveler’s diarrhea. This can be avoided by being vigilant and practicing proper precaution when eating while staying in another city or country. One of the best ways to avoid drinking contaminated water is by bringing your own drinking bottle. Buying bottled water should also be preferred to drinking straight from the tap or from public drinking fountains. In third world countries, many have been reported to acquire gastric flu by buying and eating food sold in the street. Therefore, stay away from food sold at sidewalks.
For infants, see to it that they are given proper immunization against the rotavirus, which is the leading cause of diarrhea among small children and infants. Ever since the rotavirus vaccine has been implemented, the number of children acquiring diarrhea and gastroenteritis has decreased significantly.
Gastroenteritis causing virus and bacteria can be deadly and should be fought even before they can attack you. By following these simple yet effective prevention methods, your risk for acquiring a chronic disease such as gastroenteritis will become minimal.
