The frequency distribution of a gastrointestinal virus
In principle, gastrointestinal viruses can occur anywhere and at any time. However, the probability of contracting a gastrointestinal virus increases by 30-50% in the winter months.Hospitals and nursing homes in particular have a very high frequency distribution, but kindergartens are also often affected. In general, children and older patients are much more likely to contract Noro- or Rota-Virus than healthy middle-aged patients.
Prophylaxis
Unfortunately, there is no proper prophylaxis against an infection with the gastrointestinal virus. On the one hand, the viruses are very resistant because they have no shell that could be damaged by detergents and disinfectants. On the other hand, transmission, especially in hospitals, kindergartens and nursing homes, can hardly be prevented.
Nevertheless, one should try to pay attention to hygiene as much as possible. After washing your hands, you should also disinfect your hands. Since the virus can also stick to door handles, trains or underlays, hand disinfection should also be carried out occasionally.
In addition, it should be avoided to come with the hands to the mouth because the germ finds its entrance into the intestine via the mouth. In addition, when going to the toilet, the toilet should only be touched with toilet paper and the seat should also be covered with toilet paper so that no contact can occur. In addition, those who lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise and eat a healthy diet are less at risk of experiencing the full range of symptoms than patients who take less care of themselves.
Stress and psychological strain also promote a worse symptomatology. In order to prevent infection with a gastrointestinal virus, good hygiene should be observed. Frequent and above all sufficiently long hand washing protects against infection.
As a temporal orientation, about 30-45 seconds are recommended when washing hands. In addition, since 2006 it has been possible to be vaccinated against rotavirus (see: Vaccination against rotavirus) and thus protect yourself against the virus. This is especially recommended for infants and newborns, as a gastro-enteritis can have more serious consequences for you than for adults.
Unfortunately, there is no known vaccination protection for the Norovirus. Those affected and their contact persons should pay particular attention to very good hygiene. After the symptoms have subsided, all textiles such as bed linen, towels and clothing that have come into contact with the patient should also be washed at at least 60 degrees. In addition, the bathroom and especially the toilet should be cleaned thoroughly. If a member of the family is ill, it is advisable to use a separate toilet if possible.
