Summer is the peak season for acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis is a very common acute gastrointestinal disease, with a sudden onset and a relatively quick recovery. It often manifests as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. Vomiting is more common in children patients, while diarrhea is more prevalent in adult patients. Moreover, patients often have unhealthy eating habits. The most common causes are food not being fully cooked, or cross-contamination between raw and cooked food. Other causes include food being left at room temperature for too long after preparation, infection by food handlers, and inadequate cleaning of equipment. To reduce the risk of contracting acute gastroenteritis, you should pay attention to the following points when dining in the summer:
1) In the summer, try to avoid eating unclean food, such as cold dishes sold by street vendors. Food is often left out for too long, leading to spoilage and causing stomach upset. Therefore, when dining out, choose clean and hygienic restaurants.
2) Try to drink less cold beverages. In summer, or when people are working or exercising, body temperature rises. If you consume excessive cold drinks just for a moment of coolness, the blood vessels in your gastrointestinal tract will constrict due to the intense cold stimulation, reducing glandular secretion. This can lead to decreased appetite, indigestion, and trigger gastroenteritis.
3) Pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the refrigerator. Food placed in the refrigerator should be sealed with plastic wrap. Reheated refrigerated meals must be thoroughly heated, and fruits that can be eaten directly should be properly stored. Additionally, store raw and cooked food separately in the refrigerator, and disinfect vegetables and fruits before eating them raw.
4) Wash your hands before meals and after using the toilet. Washing your hands before meals and after using the toilet is one of the important measures to prevent diseases. This is because many pathogens are transmitted through feces, especially intestinal diseases. Human hands are constantly in motion. If you do not wash them in time, it can not only lead to repeated self-infection but also spread the germs to others, potentially causing the illness to spread rapidly.
5) Disinfect with vinegar and garlic. If you are eating out, to prevent possible risks, you can ask the waiter for a dish of vinegar and a few cloves of garlic. Dipping your food in vinegar and eating it with garlic at the end of your meal will provide a layer of protection for your health.
6) Drink plenty of plain water. If you are unfortunately infected by bacteria, these bacteria will irritate your intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea, which will cause you to lose a lot of fluid. At this time, you need to drink more fluids to prevent dehydration. Plain water is the best rehydration fluid, followed by apple juice, or broth/consommé.
In summary, acute gastroenteritis is always caused by food, so strict attention to food hygiene is the key to preventing this disease.