Keep Your Hands Clean
It is essential to keep your hands clean at all times, especially during cold and flu season. Washing your hands frequently with warm water and soap is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. Be sure to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and pay special attention to your fingertips and in between fingers. If you are unable to wash your hands you can use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Make sure to rub the sanitizer into your hands until it is completely dry.
Practice Good Hygiene
Good hygiene habits are important to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. It is important to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and to dispose of used tissues. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom, handling garbage, or before eating. Germs can also be spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva, so it is important to avoid kissing and sharing food, drinks, or utensils with anyone who is sick.
Avoid Unsafe Food and Water
Food and water can carry viruses that can cause stomach illnesses. Eating unpasteurized dairy products, undercooked meat and fish, and raw vegetables can put you at risk for food poisoning. When traveling it is important to drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes. Stomach viruses can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, so make sure to wash your hands after handling raw meat or fish.
Vaccinate Yourself and Your Children
Vaccines are an effective way to prevent stomach viruses. Vaccines help to reduce the risk of infection and can help to reduce the severity of the illness if it does occur. Make sure to speak to your doctor about what vaccines are recommended for adults and children. Vaccinating yourself and your children is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of stomach viruses.
Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Stomach viruses can spread quickly, so it is important to keep your home and work environments clean. Be sure to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially in the bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms. It is also important to change your bedding, towels, and other linens regularly. Make sure to use a mild detergent and hot water to wash and dry your linens.
Avoid Close Contact with Sick People
Stomach viruses can be spread through contact with an infected person’s saliva, so it is important to avoid close contact with someone who is sick. If you or someone in your family is sick, it is important to keep them isolated from others. Make sure to use separate towels, utensils, and dinnerware and to disinfect any surfaces that may have been contaminated.
Wear Protective Clothing
Protective clothing is an important way to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Wear a face mask if you are around anyone who is sick and be sure to wear gloves when handling garbage or cleaning up vomit or diarrhea. Wearing protective clothing can help to reduce the risk of spreading germs and viruses.
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting plenty of rest is essential for your overall health and can help to reduce the risk of getting sick. Make sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night and take time to rest during the day if needed. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can also help to strengthen your immune system and help to prevent the spread of stomach viruses.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important to prevent the spread of stomach viruses. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially when you are sick. Water, juice, sports drinks, and clear broths are all good choices. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and sugary drinks, as these can dehydrate your body.
Conclusion
Stomach viruses can be easily spread, so it is important to take steps to prevent them. Be sure to wash your hands frequently, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with sick people. Vaccinate yourself and your children and make sure to keep your home and work environments clean. Wear protective clothing and get plenty of rest and fluids to help prevent the spread of stomach viruses.