How to avoid gastroenteritis this monsoon

With monsoon upon us, health experts say that gastroenteritis is a common ailment that is affecting hundreds of people in the city. One of the most common symptoms of gastro is vomiting and diarrhoea, which causes severe weakness and discomfort. Other symptoms include painful cramps in the stomach, bodyache, fever, waves of nausea and giddiness due to dehydration. If you suffer from some of these symptoms or notice a family member suffering from them, it is best to get checked by a doctor to rule out any ailments. Senior citizens and children are more susceptible to dehydration, so it is important that they stay adequately hydrated.

General Physician Dr Manjusha Agarwal says that while street food can be very tempting during this weather, it is best to prepare tasty snacks in your own kitchen to keep temptations at bay. "Use only boiled, bottled or purified water. Avoid water and ice that is not made from the above kind of water. Don’t drink beverages made other than from treated boiled water and do not add ice, even if they are not chilled to your liking. Avoid juices, buttermilk, lemon juice, etc, from street vendors. One must even avoid fruits, which have been pre-cut or peeled and kept in the open. It is strongly recommended to be careful about leafy vegetables like cabbage, spinach, fenugreek etc. Presence of mud, dirt and worms make them all highly infectious. Fruits like pears, peaches, plums, papayas and bananas should be thoroughly washed before consuming."

She continues, "Maintaining simple hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing especially before meals helps prevent communicable diseases. Have a balanced and protein rich diet — don’t forget to include antioxidant rich foods such as green tea, fresh fruits and assorted nuts to fight against infections and have strong immunity."

In a nutshell there could be several causes of gastroenteritis. These include:

- Consuming contaminated food or water. - Following unhealthy hygiene habits or coming in contact with someone who already has the virus. - Since the disease is often referred to as a foodborne disease, it is best to avoid eating out during this season. - Make sure you boil all drinking water and keep the kitchen area clean and dry. - Cook all food items thoroughly — don’t leave anything undercooked. - Don’t keep cut fruits and vegetables open for a long time. Consume them soon after cutting. - It is also advisable to maintain good hygiene habits — wash your hands every time after visiting the washroom. - Use a hand sanitiser while travelling.