Learning from past experiences, a good and healthy lifestyle can be achieved by the practice of good hygiene habits, so that the prevention and minimization of various infections and life-affecting diseases can be avoided. In this article, we will be talking about the infection that causes gastroenteritis.
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is commonly known as the stomach flu. It is caused in the stomach and intestine. It is a short-term illness that causes an imbalance in the digestive system with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
The Stomach Bugs
Different viruses cause viral gastroenteritis some of the main viruses are norovirus and rotavirus.
- Norovirus is a very common cause of the infection. The person will be affected by it for 1 to 3 days, after contact with the virus for 12 to 48 hours. The virus causes infection in all age groups
- Rotavirus is another contagious virus that affects the stomach for 2 days after contact and for 3 to 8 days. This causes infection mostly in infants and children, but it can also be cured by vaccination.
Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis in both children and adults
- Frequent vomiting
- Painful stomach cramps
- Mental and physical fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- High fever
- Dehydration
These are some of the various commonly seen symptoms that occur with this stomach bug.
How is it transmitted?
The virus is usually transmitted by contaminated food, surfaces, and water. It is easily transmitted when you come in contact with the infected person or using the things used by the person carrying the infection, also having the food cooked by them can spread the infection easily as there will be primary contact between you and the infected person.
It is easily spread through our common gestures like touching the surface, serving food to others when infected, and mainly hand shanking or touching another person all these small and regular body actions will infect the other person.
Viral gastroenteritis can be spread in public places like hotels, schools, buses, malls, parks, office spaces, shops, and also in households, neighbors, and where there is a gathering of people.
Prevention methods
Till now we have learned about the infection, causes, symptoms, and mode of transmission. Now in this sector, we will learn the most important part i.e., preventive measures to undertake to avoid the infection.
- The most and best preventive method is to maintain hygiene. Follow the habit of washing hands often and teach your family the same. Cleaning your hands before preparing food and after using the bathroom can avoid many infectious viruses.
- Maintain the habit of consuming hygienic and healthy food. Avoid junk and roadside foods as it is the most dangerous and unhygienic food. Such food will also cause food poisoning and contact with infectious viruses.
- The prevention method in children is to raise them with a good immune system by providing nutritious and healthy food. As this infection is mostly caused in infants and children being aware and practicing hygienic methods will be effective.
- Cleaning the tables, doors, and objects which has dust will be the most effective way to avoid the virus and lead a healthy life. Use strong cleaning products that will kill the germs. Bove all this maintaining personal hygiene is the most important prevention method.
Treatments
Usually, this infection can be cured by the person by intake a good amount of water to control dehydration eating less spice food to help the body recover, and taking enough rest.
When the symptoms are worse or the indication of dehydration like dark urine or thirst then there is a need for medical consultation. Children and adults having low immune systems should reach out to doctors immediately.
Viral gastroenteritis can be treated by some vaccination in infants and adults, for Norovirus- Vaxart’s VP1-based oral tablet and for Rotavirus- Rotarix or RotaTeq, orally. Although these vaccines are used to treat the infection, there is no specific medication for the complete prevention of Norovirus. Hence prevention is the only best option to be healthy.
Conclusion
In short, to be safe and protected from infectious viruses, preventive methods will be helpful, and also knowledge about the ways of transmission can create awareness to be careful in public places. Maintenance of hygiene and healthy food habits will always keep us away from diseases and the well-being of life.