Surviving gastrointestinal infections well

Get over gastrointestinal infections well: How to get well quickly

Anyone who thinks that vomiting and diarrhea only occur in daycare centers, schools, hospitals and on cruise ships is mistaken. Anyone can catch it, so even private households are not immune to the highly contagious gastrointestinal pathogens. Here you can read what you need to be aware of during an infection and how you can protect yourself.

via Sabrina

12/16/2016, 15:11

Durchfall und kein Ende. Kleiner Trost: Nach 12 bis 48 Stunden ist das Schlimmste meist überstanden — Diarrhea and no end in sight. Small consolation: the worst is usually over after 12 to 48 hours

Hygiene ist jetzt besonders wichtig: Auch die Fingerzwischenräume beim Händewaschen nicht vergessen. — Hygiene is particularly important now: don't forget to wash the spaces between your fingers when washing your hands.

Stomach bug: What helps in acute cases

If you have severe diarrhea, you should replace the lost water and electrolytes - especially sodium, potassium and chloride. Among other things, they ensure a regular heartbeat. The perfect electrolyte drink consists of half a teaspoon of salt and four teaspoons of sugar. Dissolve the mix in a liter of water and add a little orange or lemon juice. Drink the solution throughout the day.

The active ingredient Racecadotril (e.g. in Vaprino) helps with acute diarrhea. It takes effect after just 30 minutes. Plus: also alleviates accompanying symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps.

If your appetite slowly returns, easily digestible foods such as a grated apple, mashed banana or soup will revive your spirits.

How to protect yourself

If someone in the family is ill, you can quickly become infected. Meticulous hygiene is the be-all and end-all. For example, only flush with the toilet lid closed. Disinfect surfaces such as door handles and light switches after being touched by those affected. Wash bed linen, clothing, washcloths and towels of affected family members at a minimum of 60 degrees.

Gastrointestinal pathogens have a particularly easy time of it if the immune system is already compromised. In this case, it is better to avoid large gatherings of people. If this is not possible, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth or scarf on public transport and in similar situations.

And very important: wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for 40 to 60 seconds after using the toilet and before eating.