Every parent knows the drill: your child returns home from school, and before you know it, the unsettling signs of gastro start to surface. This familiar situation doesn’t have to lead to a household outbreak.
Gastroenteritis, commonly referred to as ‘gastro,’ is a highly contagious infection that affects the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pains, and nausea. It is particularly prevalent among young children and older adults, who may experience more severe symptoms. If your family is experiencing gastroenteritis, taking precautions to protect yourself and others is important. Here are some effective strategies to minimise your risk of catching or spreading this illness.
Understanding Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is usually caused by viruses (most commonly norovirus and rotavirus), bacteria (such as salmonella and campylobacter), or parasites (like giardia) (1). The illness spreads primarily through:
- Contaminated food, drinks, or objects
- Person-to-person contact, including coughing, sneezing, or shaking hands
- Contact with infected vomit or faeces
Given its contagious nature, it’s essential to be proactive in preventing its spread, especially in a household where someone is already infected.
How is Gastro Spread?
Gastro is a nasty stomach flu with a knack for making unwelcome appearances, especially in close-knit communities like schools and family homes. So, how does gastro spread? It’s mostly a tale of close contact, communal sharing, and not implementing effective gastro-stop measures.
Close Contact is Key
Gastro spreads primarily through direct contact with an infected person. Think about those moments when you’re looking after someone during carer’s leave or when kids share stationery in school. The virus or bacteria from an infected person can easily hitch a ride on your hands and make its way to your system. This highlights the importance of gastro-stop strategies such as hand hygiene when caring for someone or when children arrive home from school.
The Sharing Saga
As humans, we love to share, but sometimes, this kind of habit backfires. Sharing utensils, cups, drink bottles, and even towels can be a highway for gastro to travel from one person to another. It’s like sharing a bit of love but with unwanted germs.
The Culprit of Contamination
Eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water are classic routes for gastro to find new hosts. This can happen if food is prepared by someone who’s infected or if it’s washed with contaminated water.
Surface Surprise
Surfaces can be deceptive. They might look clean but can harbour gastro-causing viruses or bacteria. Touching these surfaces and then touching your mouth or face is like unknowingly opening the door for gastro to enter.
Remember, gastro doesn’t need a VIP pass to spread; it finds the simplest ways to make its presence known. The key to preventing gastro lies in good hygiene practices – a simple yet powerful weapon. Wash those hands, keep your personal items to yourself, and be mindful of what you eat and drink – then remind your family to do the same.
Key Strategies to Avoid Gastroenteritis
1. Practice Good Hygiene
Wash Your Hands Regularly: Frequent handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of gastro. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food (1).
Use Hand Sanitiser: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser. However, remember that hand sanitisers may not be as effective against certain viruses, so washing with soap is preferable when possible (1).
2. Avoid Contact with Infected Individuals
Keep Distance: Try to maintain physical distance from family members who are showing symptoms of gastro. Limit direct contact and avoid sharing utensils, towels, or other personal items (1).
Designate a Caregiver: If possible, have one family member take on the role of caregiver for the infected person. This minimises the number of people exposed to the virus (1).
3. Disinfect Surfaces
Regularly Clean High-Touch Areas: Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and bathroom fixtures with a suitable cleaning solution. Pay special attention to areas that may come into contact with vomit or feces (1).
Use Disposable Gloves: When cleaning up after someone who is sick, use disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward (1).
Remember, while you can’t always prevent gastro, these measures can significantly reduce your risk of catching it when someone in your family is ill.
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Source
- Healthdirect Australia. (n.d.). Gastroenteritis. Retrieved from [https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/gastroenteritis)
