People at risk

• The young children (from 6 months to 3 years), especially those who attend daycare or nurseries because of the multiplication of contacts. They are particularly at risk because their immune systems are immature and they put everything in their mouths. On average, a child under 5 suffers from diarrhea 2,2 times a year in industrialized countries¹¹. daycare staff is consequently also more at risk.
• The elderly, especially those who live in residence, because their immune systems weaken with age.
• People who live or work in closed environment (hospital, plane, cruise, summer camp, etc.). Half of them would be susceptible to contracting gastroenteritis when an epidemic breaks out.
• People who travel to Latin America, Africa and Asia.
• People with weakened immune systems due to illness or pharmaceuticals immunosuppressants, such as anti-rejection drugs for transplant patients, certain anti-arthritis drugs, cortisone, or strong antibiotics which unbalance the intestinal flora.

Risk factors

Do not respect the hygiene measures described in section Prevention of gastroenteritis.