From the Guidelines
To prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis, it is essential to practice thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food, as recommended by the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea 1. The guidelines emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infectious diarrhea, and this is particularly crucial in public settings such as healthcare facilities, childcare centers, and nursing homes. Some key measures to prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis include:
- Cleaning and disinfecting contaminated surfaces promptly using bleach-based cleaners
- Avoiding preparing food for others while sick and for 48 hours after symptoms resolve
- Isolating the infected person's personal items like towels and utensils, and washing contaminated clothing and bedding in hot water
- Avoiding swimming, water-related activities, and sexual contact with other people when symptomatic while adhering to meticulous hand hygiene 1
For home management of viral gastroenteritis, the focus should be on preventing dehydration by:
- Drinking small, frequent sips of clear fluids like water, diluted fruit juices, or oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte
- Adults can consume 2-3 liters of fluid daily, adjusting based on fluid losses
- Avoiding dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods which may worsen symptoms
- Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever or pain as directed on packaging
- Resting is essential for recovery It is also important to note that most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve within 1-3 days without specific treatment, but seeking medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist or worsen, such as severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, persistent vomiting, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 3 days. The 2017 guidelines also recommend that healthcare providers direct educational efforts toward all people with diarrhea, but particularly to people with primary and secondary immune deficiencies, pregnant women, parents of young children, and the elderly, as they have increased risk of complications from diarrheal disease 1. Additionally, the guidelines suggest that appropriate food safety practices, such as avoiding cross-contamination of other foods or cooking surfaces and utensils during grocery shopping, food preparation, and storage, can help prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis 1. Overall, preventing the spread of viral gastroenteritis and managing it at home require a combination of good hygiene practices, proper food handling, and adequate fluid replacement, as well as seeking medical attention when necessary.
From the Research
Prevention of Viral Gastroenteritis
- The main way to prevent the spread of viral gastroenteritis is through adequate hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water 2.
- Rotavirus vaccines have been shown to be effective in preventing gastroenteritis in children 2, 3.
- Proper disposal of contaminated materials and thorough cleaning of surfaces can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
Management of Viral Gastroenteritis at Home
- The mainstay of management for acute gastroenteritis is the provision of adequate fluids to prevent and treat dehydration 2.
- Enteral rehydration solutions, such as oral or gastric solutions, can be effective in managing dehydration 2.
- Loperamide has been shown to be effective in treating acute infectious diarrhea, including traveler's diarrhea and community-acquired diarrhea, in adults without severe comorbidities 4, 5, 6.
- However, the use of loperamide in children is not recommended due to the lack of significant effect on the course of acute gastroenteritis in early childhood 4.
- It is essential to note that the severity of gastroenteritis is determined by the aetiology, not age, and rotavirus-induced gastroenteritis is more severe than gastroenteritis caused by other enteric pathogens 3.