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Gastroenteritis: Common causes and how to prevent its condition

July 18, 2023

Gastroenteritis is a condition that affects the digestive system and can cause discomfort and dehydration in those who suffer from it. Also known as the "stomach flu," this illness is one of the leading causes of diarrhea and vomiting worldwide. In this blog, we will explore what gastroenteritis is, what its most common causes are and how we can prevent its condition.

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that can affect the stomach and intestines. It is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, fever and, in some cases, dehydration. This condition can be caused by various infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites, and spreads easily from person to person, especially in environments with poor hygiene.

Common Causes of Gastroenteritis

Viruses: Viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Rotavirus, especially in young children, and norovirus, which also affects adults, are the most common. These viruses are easily transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces, contaminated food or drinks, and close contact with infected people.
Bacteria: Several types of bacteria can cause gastroenteritis. Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, and Campylobacter are common examples. These bacteria are often found in raw or undercooked foods contaminated with animal or human feces.
Parasites: Some parasites, such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium, can also be responsible for cases of gastroenteritis. Ingestion of contaminated water and raw foods are the main sources of parasite infection.
Cross contamination: A major cause of gastroenteritis is cross contamination of food. When raw and cooked foods are handled on the same surface or with the same utensils without adequate hygiene, there is a risk of transferring pathogenic microorganisms to ready-to-eat foods.
Poor hygiene: Lack of personal hygiene, such as not washing hands properly after using the bathroom or before preparing food, is a crucial factor in the spread of gastroenteritis.

Gastroenteritis prevention

The good news is that gastroenteritis can be largely prevented by taking simple and effective measures:

Wash your hands : Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
Safe Food Handling: Cook foods at safe temperatures and avoid cross-contamination by using separate boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods.
Drink safe water: Make sure the water you drink is safe, whether through boiling, filtration, or purchasing bottled water.
Personal hygiene: If you are sick with symptoms of gastroenteritis, avoid close contact with other people until you have fully recovered.
Vaccination: In the case of children, it is essential to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to protect them against diseases such as rotavirus.

Prevention is essential to protect our health and that of those around us. Remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry, so maintain good hygiene and personal care to avoid gastroenteritis.

Remember that prevention is better than cure