Stomach flu is also known as norovirus or gastroenteritis and is especially common in winter. In children, gastroenteritis is the most common stomach infection. The virus spreads via droplet infection, through contact with faecal matter of a sick person and through bacilli in food and drink. The outbreak of gastro-intestinal flu can often be prevented if special hygiene is observed.

 

 

The stool and vomit of a person suffering from norovirus contain up to one billion viruses. Even contact with 1000 viruses is enough to get sick. The best way to prevent the outbreak of gastroenteritis is to have as little exposure to the bacilli as possible. If people around you are sick with gastroenteritis, you need to be extra hygienic. It can still be contagious up to six weeks after the illness.

 

Hygiene measures to prevent gastroenteritis

 

Wash hands regularly with soap and water, especially after contact with the sick person. Normal hand disinfectants are not sufficient for the norovirus, because the alcohol does not destroy it.

 

Mild cleaning agents are of little help against the stubborn virus. When cleaning in the household, especially in the bathroom and in the room of the sick person, only thorough cleaning with bleach helps. 

 

When washing up, it is also advisable to clean the sick person's drinking and eating utensils in the dishwasher rather than by hand. The water used for hand washing is not hot enough to destroy the viruses. All cutlery and crockery should be put in the dishwasher after each use.

 

 

Clothes and bedding that have come into contact with the patient should be washed immediately on the hottest setting. If possible, add bleach to the washing machine. After washing the contaminated fabrics, it is advisable to run an empty wash cycle.

 

There are countless surfaces in the household that can be touched and thus contain viruses. Therefore, all surfaces, even less obvious ones, should be thoroughly disinfected with a strong household cleaner.

 

Always keep upholstery and carpets clean. If someone has vomited on them, they should be professionally cleaned.

 

Drinking plenty of water is the key to overcoming the symptoms. The better the body is flushed out from the inside, the faster the virus is flushed out.