Stomach Virus Prevention

Gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, starts when stomach viruses enter the body. This happens most often through the mouth. The viruses then work through the digestive tract. Stomach flu can be very contagious.

Stomach virus prevention is mostly a matter of common sense. The best way to prevent stomach flu or gastritis is by washing your hands thoroughly and often. This is especially important before you eat, or after you've used the bathroom or changed a diaper. "Thoroughly" in this case means 20 seconds or more. Use soap.

Alcohol-based hand gels are probably not strong enough against norovirus. But they're better than nothing if you're in a place where you don't have access to soap and hot water (like a car).

Disinfect any surfaces in the house that may contain the stomach viruses. This includes bathroom counter tops, counter tops where you prepare food, and areas around baby changing stations.

As best you can, avoid eating food or drinking liquids that may have somehow gotten contaminated with a stomach virus.

Avoid the kitchen as soon as you start to get gastritis symptoms. Don't prepare food for others. Wait until at least three days after you recover from the stomach flu to start cooking again.

One particular strain of stomach virus is especially tough. The norovirus can survive freezing temperatures and heat up to 140 degrees.

Stomach virus prevention when caring for someone else

Stomach viruses often strike young children, and can also be especially dangerous for seniors. If you're caring for someone with gastritis, take the following stomach virus prevention steps.

When cleaning up vomit or diarrhea, wear some basic protective clothing. Gloves are essential. A mask is good.

Wash or dispose of diapers and soiled cloths as soon as possible.

Clothes and bed linens should be washed in hot water and soap. Use the heat cycle in the dryer when drying them.

Disinfect like crazy. Floors, tubs, sinks, counter tops. A bleach-and-water combination, using one part bleach to 50 parts water should do the trick in most areas. In areas that are very contaminated, go with 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. There are also some commercial disinfectants that are good in stopping norovirus. Check the label.

As distasteful as it sounds, remember that vomit and diarrhea also spew viruses into the open air. They can then settle into corners and small spaces.

Dispose of food that has been touched by someone who has a stomach virus. Norovirus is easily transmitted by food and water.

To learn more, read our related pages on stomach viruses, stomach virus causes, symptoms and treatment.

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