Health department suggests preventive steps against gastrointestinal illnesses, common this time of year

Thu January 29, 2009

Health department suggests preventive steps against gastrointestinal illnesses, common this time of year

Often confused with flu, a respiratory illness

Gastrointestinal illnesses, often confused with flu, are common this time of year in DuPage County and elsewhere. The DuPage County Health Department reminds residents that good personal hygiene is the best defense against this illness, which is spread from person-to-person.

Whereas flu is a respiratory illness, symptoms of gastrointestinal illness are vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Most people only experience a mild illness with symptoms lasting for 24 hours.

There are some very important things you can do to protect your health and the health of others. Practicing good hygiene is very important for everyone to help control and prevent the spread of this and other similar infections:

All persons can decrease their chance of coming in contact with gastrointestinal illness by following these preventive steps:

  • Frequently wash your hands, especially after toileting and before eating or preparing food.
  • Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
  • Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of diarrhea or vomiting by using a bleach-based household cleaner. If using liquid household bleach prepared daily, one part bleach to nine parts water (1:10 dilution) is recommended.
  • Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with feces or vomitus (use hot water and soap).
  • Flush or discard any vomitus and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.

If you are sick or have experienced symptoms of gastrointestinal illness within 24 hours, please follow these precautions:

  • Contact your physician for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
  • Refrain from social gatherings and from food preparation while you have symptoms and for three days after recovery from illness.
  • Fluids are recommended to prevent dehydration because the diarrhea that flushes out of the body drains a great deal of liquid.

For additional information contact the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 682-7400.

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