How Can You Catch the Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu seems to come around every year, at least once. The routine always seems the same: a sudden outbreak, just about everyone gets it and then it is gone as fast as it came. Often accompanied with hours of vomiting and diarrhea, the stomach flu seems almost impossible to avoid. The bug itself usually lasts for about 24 hours and the period of transmission is normally 12-24 hours.
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Secretions
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The germs and virus that are the source of what is known commonly as the "stomach flu" are extremely transmittable. The reason for this high contamination rate is because they are so abundant and plentiful. This is especially true in the secretions of the infected person. The stool and vomit are the most infectious. Touching these infected surfaces is usually all it takes for someone to catch the stomach flu.
Airborne
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Touching a person that is infected with the stomach flu is one way to pass it along. This is especially difficult to avoid when you are trying to care for an infected person. However, the situation becomes even more complicated when the virus is airborne. This means that simply breathing the same air with the infected person will spread the disease. This is especially true right after they vomit.
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Warning
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The stomach flu is so contagious that it can spread in the most unlikely ways and places. The virus can live on objects or surfaces for sometimes days. Today's stomach flu could be a result of something that was touched last week. Those with the strongest immune systems can actually pass the virus along and never get ill themselves.
Hand Washing
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Public places are a cesspool for these types of germs. Touching a door handle and then bringing your hand to your nose, eyes or mouth is a recipe for trouble when it comes to the stomach flu. This just stresses the importance of washing your hands numerous times throughout the day.
Prevention
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The stomach flu can be spread through food that has been improperly handled. It can also be spread via infected food and water. If someone has the stomach flu and they touch something that you have touched, then you are susceptible. People are more likely to get the stomach flu in the winter months, but it can pop up any time of the year. Household cleaners are generally not strong enough to kill the virus, so the best line of defense is to clean contaminated areas with pure bleach.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Uppercut Images Royalty Free Photograph
