2023-07-01 05:26:36
If gastro is a scourge, the origin of this disease can be intriguing. But can it really be transmitted simply through the air?
Gastroenteritis causes particularly unpleasant symptoms. It seems that this disease can be transmitted by several routes. But what is gastro? How are we infected? How to treat this temporary illness? Read on to learn more regarding gastro.
What is gastro?
Viral gastroenteritis, also called stomach flu, is a highly contagious seasonal disease. It is an infection of the digestive system. The inflammation of the wall of the intestine and the stomach then causes various symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhoea; abdominal cramps; headache.
It is common to confuse the symptoms of the virus with those of:
the tourist; bacterial gastroenteritis; tropical dysentery.
These diseases are caused by the presence of bacteria in our body. It is necessary to respect the rules of hygiene to avoid contagion. In addition, the symptoms are often accompanied by fever.
Gastro et contagion
Every year, the stomach flu causes a major epidemic. Generally, cases appear from mid-November to mid-April. But how do you catch gastro? Can the virus be transmitted through the air? And above all, how to avoid contagion? We answer all your questions.
Can you catch gastro in the air?
The norovirus (gastrointestinal microbe) has been the subject of several studies. Researchers have succeeded in proving that particles can circulate in the air.
A study was conducted in the rooms of infants hospitalized for gastroenteritis. Virus particles have been found in the air. That proves that sneezing and coughing favor the transmission of the disease.
However, researchers agree that the amount of norovirus present in the air remains low. Thus, it is not the main cause of contagion.
How do you catch gastro?
Air is a possible medium of transmission, but it is not the most important. However, when a person is infected, the disease spreads very quickly. Often it affects an entire family, many children in the same class, etc.
So how is this contagious disease transmitted?
By water: sanitation destroys 99% of germs. However, some are resistant and tap water can contain the gastroenteritis virus. It is difficult to escape these particles. We use tap water to rinse our teeth, to clean vegetables and dishes.
Through saliva and hands: when we are sick, our organism is extremely contagious. A simple handshake can then be enough to transmit the virus to you. It is difficult to avoid contagion in young children. They often put their fingers and toys in their mouths.
By stool: it is here that we find the microbe in very large quantities.
Be careful, even if the symptoms have disappeared, you are still contagious for several days.
How to avoid contagion?
It is possible to limit the risk of transmission with a few simple actions:
wash your hands regularly with soap; wash your hands following each visit to the toilet and each change of baby’s diaper; disinfect the toilets following your visit; avoid the exchange of saliva; clean potentially contaminated objects; isolate the patient when possible.
Hand washing for the whole family is your priority. If your hands are soiled, every object touched can be contaminated. So be very careful. Moreover, even if no one is infected in your home, take the right steps throughout the epidemic period.
How to treat the disease?
No treatment can directly cure viral gastroenteritis. However, it is essential to stay well hydrated. Even if you vomit, force yourself to drink water regularly. Also try to eat a little more salt than usual to promote retention of water.
Medication
Symptoms can still be relieved with a few medications:
an antidiarrheal such as Smecta to stop diarrhoea; paracetamol like Doliprane in case of pain; an antispasmodic such as Spasphone in case of abdominal cramps; an anti-emetic such as Vogalene if you vomit.
Generally, symptoms subside within a few hours and disappear within 24 to 72 hours. However, you may not have an appetite for several days.
food
During the crisis period, it will undoubtedly be difficult to eat. A small amount of rice prepared in salted water will suffice at first.
After the illness, start eating once more little by little. Too much and too rich foods might cause further vomiting.
We advise you to:
limit fiber : this time, we avoid green vegetables, we prefer carrots;
avoid fatty and sugary products, dairy products, meat ;
consume well-cooked starches ;
eat ripe banana.
Give your stomach time to recover, you should be better in a few days.
Catching gastro in the air: what to remember
It is possible to find some norovirus particles in the air. However, this is not the most obvious means of contagion. You are unlikely to catch gastro through the air.
Stools, saliva, soiled hands are much more at risk. To avoid the spread of gastro, it is therefore necessary to wash your hands regularly with soap.
1688255596
#catch #gastro #air
