Commonly called “gastro”, gastroenteritis is a highly contagious viral disease generally caused by a virus: the rotavirus. It is easily caught in a community and thrives especially in a hot environment. Even if it heals fairly quickly, it requires both compliance with a certain number of hygiene rules and the monitoring of fragile people, babies, young children and the elderly, who risk becoming dehydrated.

Gastro: what to do in case of contamination?

During an episode of gastro, it is the risk of dehydration of the most fragile people that must be particularly monitored. Yes every year, this disease affects 500 million children in the world, it is estimated that 760.000 die from this disease. In question, diarrhea causing dehydration.

For this reason, it is imperative to provide the sick person with sufficient water. Liquid stools causing a significant loss of water in our body, it is necessary to offer a drink: broth (salt helps keep water), water made from rehydration solution…

Even if the patient vomits, it is necessary insist that he drink and offer him regular small amounts of water. This precaution will prevent the appearance of signs of dehydration such as dry mouth and skin, sunken eyes, weakness, less frequent urination.

Nausea caused by gastrointestinal illness usually suppresses appetite and, in the worst case, leads to vomiting. This forced diet is not bad in itself, but it is not a reason to let the symptoms take effect. In addition to taking an antiemetic medication, it is possible to naturally soothe nausea with ginger, taken as a capsule or herbal tea.

Gastroenteritis is usually accompanied by abdominal cramps and pain in the intestines. An antispasmodic can then relieve the patient. Do not hesitate to put a hot hot water bottle on your stomach to reduce the pain.

Otherwise, the intestinal flora being disturbed, the intake of probiotic should be considered. In addition, vitamin A and zinc intake can reduce the duration and intensity of diarrhea.

Another effective solution against liquid stool: white rice. This starchy has the interest of slow down intestinal transit and provide slow carbohydrates that help gain energy and better fight disease. For more efficiency, it must be cooked for a very long time to allow it to release all its starch and be eaten without butter if possible.

The other foods to favor after an episode of gastro are apples, eaten raw and grated, quince compote and carrot puree. Generally speaking, sif the appetite is not there, it is better not to force.

How to protect yourself to avoid catching gastro?

Gastroenteritis is a very contagious disease which can quickly become an epidemic if certain hygiene rules are not followed. Many surfaces can in fact be contaminated: door handles, taps, flushing toilets, toys, etc.Is it essential to clean objects in order to avoid lightning contagion?.

According to Inpes, the virus ” survives a minimum of eight hours on inert surfaces and sometimes up to seven days ». Hence the need for rigorous and irreproachable hygiene. For information, nearly 40% of disinfectants would not be able to eliminate the spread of viruses mainly responsible for gastroenteritis. Only disinfectants based on bleach would do this effectively.

The germs of gastroenteritis thrive in a warm and humid environment and particularly appreciate our hands. This is why it is essential to wash your hands regularly with soap or hydroalcoholic gel. Whenever possible, contact such as shaking hands, for example, should be avoided.

Known as turista or traveler’s diarrhea, gastroenteritis that you catch while traveling abroad can ruin your stay. It is therefore advisable to take certain precautions in order to avoid infection: eat cooked food, preferably still hot, drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes.

Read also: What to eat when gastro affects us?