Can gastroenteritis be prevented?
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The advice given in the previous section is mainly aimed at preventing the spread of infection to other people. However, even when we are not in contact with someone with gastroenteritis, proper storage, preparation and cooking of food, and good hygiene help to prevent gastroenteritis.
In particular, always wash your hands:
- After you go to the toilet.
- Before you touch food.
- Between handling raw meat and food ready to be eaten. (There may be some bacteria on raw meat.)
- After gardening.
- After playing with pets (healthy animals can carry certain harmful bacteria).
The simple measure of washing hands regularly and properly is known to make a big difference to the chance of developing gastroenteritis.
You should also take extra measures when in countries of poor sanitation. For example, avoid water and other drinks that may not be safe, and avoid food washed in unsafe water.
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