Summer is not only a time for relaxation, but also a season of increased risk of infection acute intestinal infections, such as salmonellosis, dysentery, rotavirus and enterovirus infections, etc. Increased environmental temperature contributes to the spread of pathogens that enter the human body, mainly with infected water and poor-quality food products or through contact and household means through dirty hands and household items.
The incubation period of intestinal infections is from several hours to 7 days. Clinical signs include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loose stools, sometimes with mucus and blood, fever, and weakness.
Susceptibility to intestinal infections is high. Children are the most vulnerable due to reduced body defenses and imperfect hygiene skills.
Simple rules will help prevent infection with intestinal pathogens.
Always wash your hands with soap before preparing and eating food. Remember to wash your hands after using the toilet, and teach your children to do so. Do not consume meat and dairy products purchased at random markets where there is no quality control. Do not consume food if its quality is questionable.
Do not use water from unfamiliar water sources (rivers, lakes, underground springs, surface water) for drinking, cooking, or washing dishes. Water from centralized water sources (after boiling for 10 minutes) and packaged drinking water are suitable for drinking and cooking.
Carefully inspect food packaging, paying special attention to expiration dates. It is better not to buy a product at all than to buy one that has expired.
When traveling, do not take perishable foods with you: sausages, dairy products, culinary products, confectionery, multi-ingredient meat salads, pâtés, and other products that require refrigeration during storage.
Storage of a ready-made dish without a refrigerator should not exceed two hours. Each time the dish is consumed, it must be subjected to repeated heat treatment. Do not consume unwashed fruits and berries yourself or give them to children. Before eating, first wash fresh vegetables, fruits, and berries with warm running water, and then pour boiling water over them.
Juices, milk formulas and cereals for babies should be prepared from fresh products, in clean containers immediately before use. Disinfect nipples and pacifiers by boiling.
Prevent insects and animals from entering areas where food is prepared and stored. Keep your living quarters in good sanitary condition.
At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor immediately. No self-medication, as this is a risk to life!
Remember: Summer will be safe if you are careful!
