Hygiene: the best way to fight against gastroenteritis

Tuesday, January 16, 2007 - 17:05
This year, gastroenteritis viruses have arrived earlier and hit harder. Make sure you and you children do your best to avoid it. Here is some useful information.

What are the symptoms?

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever

Symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours after infection has occurred and last between 12 hours to 2½ days. An infected person is contagious for up to 48 hours after their symptoms have disappeared.

See a doctor if your child has the following symptoms:

  • Skin rash
  • Strong fever and shivers
  • Presence of blood in feces or vomit
  • Vertigo or dizziness


How does gastroenteritis spread?

When people don’t wash their hands properly after being in contact with feces or vomit they can end up spreading the gastroenteritis virus. It is also possible to get it by inhaling droplets suspended in the air when someone vomits.

What can you do to prevent it?

The best answer: proper hygiene

  • Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Rub your upper and lower hands and between your fingers. You should wash your hands for at least 30 seconds.
  • If you have being in contact with an infected person:
            Wash your hands
            Disinfect all surfaces that have been in contact with the person
            Wash any clothes used by the infected person

What if your child has gastroenteritis?

  • Keep your child at home to avoid spreading the virus
  • Give him fluids, water or oral hydration solutions that you can buy at the pharmacy.
  • Give him ice cubes
  • If your child feels better, give him some clear broth