PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF “STOMACH FLU”
- Multiple Western Slope schools were affected by viral gastroenteritis, more commonly known as the “stomach flu” last week.
- Preventive measures can limit the spread of this illness, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, headache, low-grade fever and abdominal cramps.
- Stay home if you’re sick and keep your kids home from child care or summer camps if they are sick.
- Wash your hands after using the restroom, after changing diapers and always before eating, preparing or handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables and cook seafood thoroughly.
- Do not prepare food or care for others if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a chlorine bleach solution of one cup of household bleach per gallon of water.
- Wash laundry thoroughly and immediately after it has been contaminated with vomit or feces.
- Handle soiled items carefully without agitating them.
- Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled items and wash your hands after.
- Wash the items with detergent at the maximum available cycle length, then machine dry them.
- There is no specific treatment for viral gastroenteritis, but it’s important to administer fluids to prevent dehydration.
STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE WHILE SWIMMING THIS SUMMER
- Many families will soon open their pools for the summer season or make their way to lakes and rivers to enjoy the holiday weekend.
- It’s important to test your water and talk to your pool-users about healthy habits to avoid getting sick and to talk to your family members about safe and healthy swimming.
- Help reduce the spread of recreational water illnesses:
- Shower before you get into the water.
- Don’t swallow the water.
- Stay out of the water for at least two weeks after having diarrhea.
- Take kids on bathroom breaks and do not change diapers poolside.
- Safety tips for private and public pool/spa owners:
- Test pool and spa water regularly for bacteria, which can cause rashes and swimmers ear.
- Mesa County Public Health offers pool testing through our Regional Lab.
- Ensure pools and spas have drain covers that comply with safety standards.
- Keep pool and spa covers in good working order.
- Even small inflatable and plastic pools can carry bacteria.
- Be sure to drain or empty your small pools, clean them and dry them and leave them in the sun for at least four hours.
- Medium and larger-sized inflatable and plastic pools that cannot be emptied daily should have filters and disinfection systems that meet the same codes and requirements as full-sized swimming pools.
- Unconventional items, such as stock tanks or truck beds, should not be used as pools.
- Test pool and spa water regularly for bacteria, which can cause rashes and swimmers ear.
- Keep your family safe while swimming:
- Make sure everyone knows how to swim and use life jackets appropriately.
- Pay attention to swimmers, and limit cell phone usage.
- Prevent access to water when pools aren’t in use by installing barriers, such as four-sided fencing or weight-bearing pool covers.
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and reapply it often throughout the day and to stay hydrated.