The susceptibility of people to intestinal infections is quite high. Children are especially susceptible to them. If public and personal hygiene measures are not observed, intestinal infections are highly contagious, can spread rapidly among others and cause mass illnesses.
Contamination with intestinal infections
Reasons for the rise in the incidence of intestinal infections: warm weather, favorable for the multiplication of pathogens, as well as neglect of personal hygiene, namely dirty hands. Consumption of unwashed or lightly washed berries, fruits and vegetables, storing food without refrigeration in camping conditions, picnics, cake with cream in the heat.
Infection is also possible when caring for a person sick with acute intestinal infections. It should be remembered that not always the sick person has signs of illness. Especially dangerous as a source of infection asymptomatic bacterial carriers.
In the warm season, the causative agents of intestinal infections are more often bacteria, although intestinal infections can be caused by bacteria and viruses.
- Bacterial: salmonellosis, dysentery, yersiniosis, botulism, staphylococcal infection, etc.
- Viral: rotavirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, etc.
In addition, fungi and protozoa can also be causative agents of intestinal infections. There are more than 30 causative agents of acute intestinal infections.
The pathogen is transmitted by mouth (dirty hands, unwashed vegetables), but airborne transmission is also possible if the causative agent is a virus.
Symptoms of infections
The main manifestations of intestinal infections to which attention should be paid are:
- weakness
- lethargy
- poor appetite
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- fever
- chills.
The pathogens of intestinal infections are highly resistant to the external environment, maintaining their pathogenic properties for a long time. Several main factors may be involved in the transmission of pathogens: water, food, soil, household items, etc. In food products intestinal pathogens not only persist, but also actively multiply, without changing the appearance and flavor of the product. However, when exposed to high temperatures, such as boiling, intestinal pathogens are killed.
What should I do if someone in the family gets sick with intestinal infections?
First of all, the sick person should be isolated. This will reduce the risk of transmission to healthy family members.
When caring for a sick person, one should strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene: often wash hands with soap and water, especially after caring for a sick person. Allocate a personal dish, towel to the sick person.
It is important to clean the room of the patient with disinfectant.
If an acute intestinal infection is suspected, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Especially quickly seek medical help if the temperature can not be reduced, vomiting does not stop for more than 48 hours, if vomiting with blood, stools with blood.
The child should in any case be shown to a doctor. It is necessary to apply for emergency medical assistance if the body temperature is 39*C or higher, it is poorly controlled, there are signs of dehydration, the child is lethargic, the skin is dry, there is no urination.
Prevention of intestinal infections
To avoid contracting an intestinal infection, you should:
- Wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before eating, and after changing a baby’s diaper;
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with boiled or bottled water;
- Drink water only of guaranteed quality: bottled water of industrial production or boiled water;
- Avoid contact with people with signs of infectious diseases, with rashes, fever, cough and other symptoms;
- Swim only in swimming pools where water quality is sanitized and monitored;
- Parents should supervise children while bathing to avoid swallowing water;
- Protect food from flies and other insects.
It is important to know that the risks of the disease are increased if:
- Touching the face, nose, eyes with dirty hands, eating food with unwashed hands;
- Drinking raw water;
- Drinking water from drinking fountains;
- Use ice to cool drinks made from water of unknown quality;
- Buying food and drinks from street vendors;
- Eating in unequipped places, in places with a low level of sanitary culture;
- Eating food that has not been thermally processed;
- Washing fruits, vegetables and herbs with raw water, including tap water;
- Attend crowded events with young children;
- Swim in swimming pools where the water is not periodically disinfected and quality controlled.
If symptoms of infectious diseases appear – fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, rash, headache, liquid stools and others – you should seek medical help immediately.
The importance of strengthening immunity
In addition to good hygiene, a strong immune system plays an important role in protecting against intestinal infections. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, regular physical activity, adequate sleep and minimizing stress help the body to effectively resist pathogens. It is especially important to maintain healthy intestinal microflora by consuming foods containing probiotics (kefir, yogurt, sauerkraut) and fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grain products). A strong immune system reduces the likelihood of infection and promotes rapid recovery in case of infection.
Conclusion
Intestinal infections pose a serious threat to health, especially during the warm season when the risk of infection increases. However, following basic rules of hygiene, proper storage and processing of food, drinking clean water and strengthening immunity will help to significantly reduce the likelihood of infection. It is important to remember that if the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is necessary to see a doctor in time to prevent complications. Taking care of your health and the health of your loved ones is the best way to protect yourself and your family from intestinal infections and maintain good health.
