The nightmare of many parents may have reached their homes in recent weeks: the cases of gastro are numerous, and more contagious.
“It is clear that the gastro is very, very present”, notes the Dr Antonio d’Angelo, head of emergencies at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center.
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic two years ago, few viruses have circulated in the community, in particular due to health restrictions.
“People’s immune system has gone a little dormant. When you are often exposed, it is easier to fight, underlines the Dr of Angelo. There, it’s a party for the viruses, they are free to attack us. »
According to him, people who catch it are sick longer this year, which means that the virus is generally contagious over a longer period.
“We see children who stay sick longer, up to 10 days. They haven’t eaten very well, they are more weakened when they arrive at the emergency room,” said the doctor.
For the moment, the pediatric hospitals of Montreal have noted an increase in emergency visits for cases of gastro, but not in terms of hospitalizations.
In children, the major risk of complication is dehydration. Hence the importance of continuing to feed the child as much as possible.
Highly contagious, gastroenteritis is transmitted through bodily fluids. Hand washing is therefore the key to preventing the spread.
