Gastroenteritis is a common intestinal infection that can manifest itself in many ways, such as painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. Gastroenteritis is most commonly caused by a virus or bacterium called Rotavirus that is highly contagious and often lasts less than a week. Here are some tips on preventing gastroenteritis.
1) Hygiene
One of the key factors in preventing gastroenteritis is good hygiene. Wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, and before preparing food. The very first step to preventing gastroenteritis is to keep all surfaces, including cookware and utensils, clean. Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
2) Food safety
Another factor in preventing gastroenteritis is food safety. Make sure that you cook meat thoroughly, avoid raw eggs, and do not eat undercooked or raw meat products. Do not drink unpasteurized milk or untreated tap water, as these can transmit bacteria and viruses. You can also prevent gastroenteritis by thoroughly washing and sanitizing all food preparation surfaces, such as counters, cutting boards, utensils, and dishes.
3) Food Preparation
To prepare food properly and safely, use clean utensils that have been washed with soap and warm water. Cook food until it has reached the appropriate doneness; do not undercook or overcook.
4) Properly cook eggs
When cooking eggs, make sure that they are well cooked. Either cook them at a very high temperature or cook them in a double boiler. This will ensure that all germs are dead and you do not get sick with gastroenteritis.
5) Food storage
When storing food, keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible, if they will not be eaten within 24 hours, freeze them. This can prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses and keep you healthy.
Gastroenteritis begins in the stomach and spreads to the rest of the digestive system. By following these rules, you will be able to prevent yourself from getting sick and staying healthy.