What is Gastroenteritis?

The “upper-and-lower flushing disease” (diarrhea and vomiting) that is common these days is an illness caused by Bacteria or Viruses that enter the body through food or water, leading to inflammation along the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea and nausea/vomiting.

Shutterstock

Other Symptoms

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain, stomach ache
• Aching in the limbs
• Headache

Actions to Take When Infected

If you contract Gastroenteritis, you should take care by following these points:

Rest and Diet:

• Rest well without overexerting yourself.
• Choose only easily digestible foods (e.g., boiled rice, porridge/gruel).

Rehydration:

• To replenish the water and salt lost due to diarrhea and vomiting, frequently drink plenty of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS).

Medication:

• Since Gastroenteritis is often caused by a virus, you should never take antibiotics on your own initiative. Use medication only according to a doctor’s instructions.

Preventing Transmission (Infection Control):

• The illness is easily transmissible to others until 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.
• While ill, you should stay home and rest instead of going out, and wash your hands frequently with soap.

Conditions Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

If the following symptoms occur, the illness may be severe, so you must seek treatment from the nearest doctor or hospital as quickly as possible:

• Feeling dizzy or becoming unconscious (syncope).
• Blood present in the stool.
• Complete cessation of urination or significantly reduced urination.
• Fever exceeding 38∘C (100.4∘F).

Prevention Methods

To prevent Gastroenteritis, follow and practice the points below:

Food Freshness and Cleanliness:

• During the hot summer, food spoils quickly, so be careful to choose and consume food that is clean and fresh.
• Take special care to completely avoid food exposed to flies and food that has expired (Expired Date Overdue).

Thorough Cooking:

• Cooking food thoroughly and eating it while it is hot is the best measure.

Hand Hygiene:

• It is necessary to frequently wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Pay extra attention to washing your hands especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet.

By adhering to the information above, you can not only take careful measures to look after someone who is ill, but also protect yourself, your family, and friends from this Gastroenteritis illness.