There is hardly a day when you do not hear from someone who is lying flat with gastrointestinal flu. In many cases, infection with Norovirus is the cause.
Photo: © Udo Kroener - Fotolia.com
- Meticulous hygiene is the best protection, so you do not even get infected
- Do not stop diarrhea immediately
- Tips for long-distance travel
The infection numbers are rising steadily. Especially in the months of January and February, when the immune system is weakened by the long winter period.
Meticulous hygiene is the best protection, so you do not even get infected
The time of suffering is short but intense. Already 10 to 15 hours after the infection, severe vomiting and circulatory insufficiency begin. After three days, the spooky norovirus is usually over. But for weakened people, children or the elderly, the infection can be dangerous.
Those who do not feel like having a stomach cramp should now be meticulous about hygiene . On the way disinfection wipes and frequent, thorough hand washing help. To protect yourself, you should now better avoid crowds. If someone is ill in the household, regularly clean and disinfect the sink and toilet thoroughly - wearing rubber gloves . Do not use common towels, but provide disposable towels. Wash bedding at 90 degrees. Very important: these hygiene measures continue for more than two weeks after the symptoms disappear. After all, Norovirus continues to spread over the path of droplet and smear infection even after recovery.
Anyone who has caught Norovirus usually stays in bed at home anyway. That's just right - also out of consideration for the people. You should drink a lot to make up for the fluid loss. Preferably water or herbal tea, preferably enriched with glucose or an electrolyte solution (pharmacy). Broth also fills up the mineral deposits. In case of persistent weakness or elderly people with pre-existing conditions, infusions and hospitalization may be necessary. Another gastrointestinal virus that primarily causes infants is the rotavirus. As a precaution, there is a vaccine that experts strongly advise.
Do not stop diarrhea immediately
An annoying symptom - but in the treatment of the time counts
In fact, diarrhea is self-cleaning. Whether spoiled foods or infections by bacteria and viruses: With the accelerated emptying of the intestine pollutants should be removed. Therefore, it does not make sense to counter it with an anti-diarrhea - unless it comes to dangerous water loss. Better for gastrointestinal diseases: preparations that have an antispasmodic and analgesic effect (eg "Buscopan plus", pharmacy). If diarrhea persists for more than three days, or if you get a fever, you should go to the doctor
Tips for long-distance travel
Now in the sun - wonderful! But even there lurk gastrointestinal pathogens
Many Germans like to shorten the waiting time until spring with a trip to the sun. So that no gastrointestinal infection bothers you, you should follow a few rules. In warm countries, at hotel buffets or on the cruise ship, gastrointestinal pathogens spread especially well. Avoid raw fruits or raw meat. Also for lukewarm or long kept warm food you should make a bow. Safer: well heated, fried or grilled foods. And also on vacation : wash your hands as often as possible.
