It is not for nothing that the ancients spoke of “stomach flu” when they were bedridden with gastroenteritis. In fact, the gastro virus is rampant, like the flu and other winter viruses, mainly from November to March. But this year, the gastro seems to invite itself a little earlier in French homes.
Last year the number of people affected by noroviruses (the group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis) had reached a historically low level, “never encountered in 10 years of monitoring gastrointestinal activity” as Public Health France pointed out, in particular due to confinement and physical distancing. But this year, the gastro seems to want to take its revenge. The drop in vigilance on the side of barrier gestures and our immune system put on forced rest for a few months could well help it.
Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, fatigue: the symptoms of gastro are well known, especially since few people do not experience at least one episode during the winter. As noroviruses are transmitted very easily, it suffices to take public transport again, to share common toilets again or to work 8 hours a day in an open space to run the risk of catching gastro. The only solutions to escape it: hand washing as in the early days of the covid-19 epidemic and the use of hydroalcoholic gel. In the absence of hygiene gestures, the disease spreads quickly : 1 g of stool from an infected person can indeed contain up to 10 billion viral particles.
In adults, gastro can be cured by self-medication without complications, especially if you manage to drink plenty of fluids and are able to carry on with your activities. But beware if…
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting persist beyond two days.
- There diarrhea recurs or alternates with constipation.
- The stools contain blood or mucus.
- You are over 75 and have diarrhea.
- You pain, fatigue, high fever.
- You cannot drink without vomiting.
These symptoms are not to be taken lightly. In this case, call your doctor immediately. It is also important to contact your doctor or pediatrician if your infant or child catch your gastroas toddlers can quickly become dehydrated.
Read also :
- I get rid of the gastro
- Gastro: what drugs to relieve symptoms?
- 3 natural solutions to recover from gastroenteritis
- Colds, flu, gastro: how to avoid illnesses on the plane?
