General measures
- Partner management, i.e., infected partners, if any, must be located and treated (contacts must be traced depending on the estimated time of infection or up to two weeks before the onset of jaundice).
- Observance of general hygiene measures!
- If necessary, bed rest (depending on the condition of the patient).
- In the event of the occurrence of fever:
- Bed rest and physical rest (even with only a slight fever).
- Fever below 38.5 °C does not necessarily need to be treated! (Exceptions: Children prone to febrile convulsions; old, weakened people; patients with a weakened immune system).
- In case of fever from 39 ° C calf compresses can help to reduce the temperature, which often leads to an improvement in the condition.
- After the fever still a fever-free day of rest, if necessary longer (mainly bed rest and stay indoors).
- Alcohol abstinence (complete abstention from alcohol).
- Nicotine restriction (refrain from tobacco use).
- Limited caffeine consumption (max. 240 mg of caffeine per day; equivalent to 2 to 3 cups of coffee or 4 to 6 cups of green/black tea).
- Review of permanent medication due topossible effect on the existing disease.
- Medications that are metabolized by the liver such as acetaminophen, benzodiazepines and sulfonylureas, and many others, must not be taken
Vaccinations
The following vaccinations are advised, as infection can often lead to worsening of the present disease:
- Flu vaccination
- Hepatitis B
Regular checkups
- Regular medical checkups
Nutritional medicine
- Adherence to the following specific nutritional recommendations during illness:
- Sufficient fluid intake! Since during the course of a febrile illness there is a strong loss of fluids, fluid intake in adults with kidney and heart health should be according to the following rule of thumb: for each degree of body temperature above 37 °C, an additional 0.5-1 liters per °C. Teas are best suited.
- In case of vomiting: as long as the vomiting continues, the consumption of any food should be avoided. However, the loss of fluids should be compensated absolutely. To do this, it is recommended to add liquids such as herbal teas (fennel, ginger, chamomile, peppermint and cumin tea) or water initially in small quantities, possibly by the spoonful. When vomiting has stopped, carbohydrate foods such as rusks, toast, and pretzel sticks are well tolerated at first. Meals should be small and eaten throughout the day. Stimulants should be avoided during vomiting and for a week afterwards.
- For diarrhea: In the context of diarrhea, a “tea rusk diet” (duration: three days, longer if necessary; as long as no other diseases speak against it) has proven itself.
- After the acute gastrointestinal disease, a light full diet is recommended. Within the framework of this diet, the following foods and preparation methods should be avoided, as experience has shown that they often cause discomfort:
- Voluminous and fatty meals
- Legumes and vegetables such as white cabbage, kale, peppers, sauerkraut, leeks, onions, savoy cabbage, mushrooms.
- Raw stone and pome fruit
- Fresh bread, wholemeal bread
- Hard boiled eggs
- Carbonated drinks
- Fried, breaded, smoked, very spicy or very sweet foods.
- Too cold or too hot food
- Diet rich in:
- Vitamins (vitamin C) – Due to the fever, there may be a deficiency of vitamin C. In addition, vitamin C is important for the immune system. Foods rich in vitamin C are vegetables such as spinach and fruits (oranges, strawberries, kiwis, currants), which are also well tolerated during an infection.
- After recovery, if necessary, nutritional counseling based on nutritional analysis.
- Selection of appropriate food based on the nutritional analysis
- See also under “Therapy with micronutrients (vital substances)” – if necessary, taking a suitable dietary supplement.
- For detailed information on nutritional medicine, please contact us.