The norovirus is on the rise. How can you prevent the gastrointestinal virus? We have 7 tips that you should follow if you want to stay healthy.
Anyone who contracts a gastrointestinal infection spreads millions of pathogens. But just ten to a hundred viruses are enough to infect someone else.
If you don't feel like being part of this game, you're in the right place.
You can prevent this quite well if you take measures early enough.
And this is especially good this year. Because this year the season of the gastrointestinal virus has begun earlier and also more violently than in previous years. Already in November, more than 14,000 cases were registered.
This is almost twice as much as in previous years.
Norovirus is particularly common between October and March.
It is usually in high season in January. When it is cold outside and our immune system is usually not the strongest, we are particularly susceptible.
But how can you prevent a stomach bug? This much you need to know: There is hardly any 100%igen protection. If it's going to get you, it will. But you can at least take a few precautions, which include, in addition to the Strengthening the immune system especially hygiene measures.
Table of contents
How is the gastrointestinal infection transmitted?
Noroviruses occur worldwide. Incidentally, they take their name from the city of Norwalk in Ohio. The pathogen was first described there in 1968. The gastrointestinal virus is extremely mutable and resistant. There are now at least 30 subtypes and variants.
Environmental influences can do little to harm the virus. It survives temperatures from -20° to +60° Celsius without any problems.
But the good thing is that once you get over a norovirus infection, you'll be immune for a few months. Still, of course, no one wants to throw up and be tied up in the toilet.
Let's take a quick look at how transmission occurs, then I'll tell you how to prevent the gastrointestinal virus.
1. from person to person
The gastrointestinal virus is most frequently transmitted via smear infection. That is, from hand to hand. There, the viruses enter the mouth relatively easily. We grab our faces, rub our itchy eyes, or forget to wash our hands before eating - and the viruses have free rein.
2. through contaminated objects
Door handles, handrails, faucets or handles in public transport are perfect carriers for the norovirus - and of course viruses of all kinds. Many people use these items and turn the objects they touch into veritable hotbeds of germs.
That's how easy it is to make a hand sanitizer!
3. about food
Salads, vegetables, fruit, crabs or mussels are again and again carriers of the gastrointestinal virus.
How to prevent the stomach flu?
When you watch everyone around you get sick, you naturally want to try to avoid the norovirus. Even with a few little things can succeed well.
1. wash your hands
And with soap and water. Especially after you have been to the toilet. It is also very important to clean your hands before you start cooking. In addition, wash your hands before eating.
Dry them firmly with a clean towel. In this way, you can prevent the pathogen from entering your mouth via your hands.
Especially in public transport, the danger is great. Get yourself a small hygiene hand gel and put it in your pocket.
Apply after getting out of the car and let it absorb well. Most gels are applied without soap and water. Perfect for on the go.
2. eat a healthy and varied diet
Only when our body has enough vitamins and minerals at its disposal can it do its job properly.
If certain minerals and vitamins are missing, we make life difficult for ourselves. Our immune system then lacks the necessary defenses.
And that can be our undoing, especially during the typical flu season.
During this time, it is worthwhile to take supplements for a while. They replenish your empty stores and boost your immune system. Overall, you should now feed very well and put lots of vegetables and fruit on the shopping list.
3. avoid contact with sick people
Your colleague is already showing the first signs of infection? Avoid her at all costs. It is best to give her a wide berth. If possible, use another toilet and another workroom.
The fewer points of contact you have with her, the better.
4. use your own towels
Is there a communal towel hanging in the toilet? Hands off! Dry your hands with toilet paper instead.
At home you should change your towel at least every 2 days now, wash the towels with at least 60°.
5. reach for disposable wipes
Sinks, doorknobs and floors are also dangerous places for germs. Put disposable wipes in the office. Wipe the surfaces with them and then dispose of them in the household waste.
To come back to the sick colleague: Especially surfaces that you use together should be wiped down regularly.
6. keep finger out of face
Quickly your hand wanders on the head, the neck or near the mouth. Take special care that this does not happen to you. Because the hands are the most common carrier. With them you bring the viruses to the mouth and the fun starts.
Therefore, wash them regularly, no matter if you feel sick at the moment or not.
7. disinfect your workplace
To be on the safe side, you should disinfect your keyboard, mouse and desk. Many viruses lurk here.
If you stick to it, you should be able to get by without the gastrointestinal virus. Unfortunately, there is never a guarantee. Just be careless for a short time and you have already caught the infection.
Do cola and salt sticks help with diarrhea?
My roommate is sick, what should I be aware of?
If you live in the same household, you need to be especially careful. Because the gastrointestinal viruses lurk everywhere.
- In no case uses the same towels
- Cleans the toilet after and before each visit with disposable wipes
- Do not sleep in the same bed
- Washes clothes, bed linen and towels at 60 ° Celsius
- Wash dishes rather too hot than too cold
- Do not drink from the same glasses
- Disinfect your hands regularly
- Instead of also the couch your roommate should rather get well in his bed - so you have less touch points
And then you can only hope for the best. Because the gastrointestinal virus is very stubborn.
How long am I contagious?
Even if you feel healthy, you can still pass on the virus. And usually for 48 hours. In individual cases also up to 2 weeks. By the way, 6 to 50 hours pass between infection and outbreak of the virus.
If you are feeling bad today, you may have been a germaphobe 2 days before that.
Attention: This is how long a cold is contagious!
What can I do if it catches me?
Unfortunately, there are no antiviral drugs or a shot against the gastrointestinal virus. Resting and sleeping a lot is actually the only thing that really helps. Small tip: Always have a bucket next to the bed. Because with a gastrointestinal infection, gushing vomiting often occurs.
Abdominal pain, nausea, headache and muscle pain - the only good thing: after 12 hours to 2 days everything is over.
During this time you should Much liquid if there is no other way, by the spoonful. The German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases recommends diluted juices, broths or mild tea. Those who can eat should resort to rusks or plain bread.
Give your stomach and intestines a few days of rest and stomach friendly food.
Our conclusion
Wash your hands regularly with soap and keep your hands far away from your face. Then you can only hope for the best and steer clear of the obviously infected.
If you do get it, stay in bed an extra day and start eating solid food slowly. Give your body a break and don't forget to drink.
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