Can gastro-enteritis be prevented?
It is not possible to physically isolate yourself sufficiently to prevent any contact with the micro-organisms that cause gastroenteritis. However, if your immune system is healthy, you may develop immunity to many of them after a first exposure, without even getting serious symptoms. Some micro-organisms will cause gastroenteritis during a first infection, but subsequent infections will not cause symptoms. Infection through contact with infected people can be prevented to some extent by avoiding contact with the bodily fluids of infected people and: • frequently cleaning and disinfecting high-risk surfaces, such as food preparation areas and toddlers toys • encouraging those who have symptoms of gastroenteritis to practise good hygiene e.g. hand washing after using the toilet • washing hands after going to the toilet or changing nappies, working with soil, or playing with pets • washing your hands before preparing food, between handling raw and ready to eat foods, and before eating Ri
