The monsoon season provides relief from the intense heat of summer but it also signals the arrival of several water-borne illnesses, especially those that target the digestive tract. This is the period when stomach diseases are most common because of polluted water and unsanitary habits that lead to gastrointestinal infections like food poisoning or flu and other digestion-related problems. Dr Avinash B, HOD and Consultant - Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital shares the term "gastrointestinal infections" refers to a wide range of illnesses that affect the digestive system, from severe bacterial infections like Clostridium difficile to common viral gastroenteritis. These infections are common across the world. They are usually transmitted through contaminated food or water, person-to-person contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces.

Viral gastroenteritis, often caused by norovirus or rotavirus, leads to millions of cases annually. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread rapidly in places like schools, hospitals and public areas. Bacterial infections are those caused by Salmonella or Escherichia coli and can range from mild infections to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication that can lead to kidney failure, especially in young children and the elderly.

So how should you stay safe? We got in touch with health experts who share tips to keep gastrointestinal infections at bay.

Dr Kapil Sharma, Director - Gastroenterology and Head - Endoscopy, Sarvodaya hospital, Faridabad shares gastrointestinal infections, often called stomach flu or food poisoning, that affect the digestive system. These illnesses are caused by various invaders:

- Bacteria: Improperly cooked food and poor sanitation can harbour culprits like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.

- Viruses: Norovirus and rotavirus spread easily in crowded spaces and through contaminated surfaces.

- Parasites: Giardia and Cryptosporidium often come from polluted water sources.

- Amoebas: Single-celled organisms like Entamoeba histolytica can also cause gastrointestinal distress.

Dr Mahesh Kumar Gupta, Senior Consultant - Gastroenterology, Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram shares that for immediate treatment and diagnosis of waterborne illnesses, it is essential to recognize their symptoms. Typical indications of stomach infections consist of:

1. Diarrhea- The main symptom of diarrhoea is the frequent and uncontrollable passing of loose, watery stools. It is sometimes accompanied by cramping in the abdomen and dehydration. Diarrhea is a serious health problem, particularly in the monsoon season when waterborne illnesses are more common.

2. Vomiting and Nausea: Diarrhea may be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

3. Fever: Gastrointestinal illnesses are frequently accompanied by low-grade fever.

4. Dehydration- Dehydration is the result of the body losing too much fluid and vital electrolytes like potassium and sodium. It is frequently caused by prolonged diarrhoea and vomiting, which can have serious consequences if left untreated.

“Prolonged dehydration can cause difficulties in extreme cases, particularly in youngsters, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems,” he said.

Who Is At Risk?

Dr Uddhavesh M Paithankar - consultant, Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram shares that children are especially at risk because they are vulnerable, and have weakened immune systems. There is an increase in the number of young patients experiencing such symptoms as diarrhoea, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal cramping. Although the majority of cases can be managed with oral rehydration therapy and supportive care few kids need to be hospitalized because they are too weak from the dehydration suffered.

“Do not forget that instead of waiting to treat an infection after it has already spread, we should try to keep it away by applying basic hygiene measures,” he said.

Preventive Measures To Stay Safe

Dr Uddhavesh M Paithankar shares that preventing gastrointestinal infections requires measures like:

- Avoid Contaminated food- During the monsoon, avoiding contaminated sources is essential to preventing waterborne infections. When it comes to eating, be careful of street vendors and give freshly prepared meals a priority.

- Hepatitis A Vaccination- To guard against this common liver virus spread by contaminated food or water, think about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, particularly when visiting high-risk locations.

- Waterborne infections such as cholera and giardiasis can be prevented by making sure that people have access to clean drinking water and by not consuming contaminated water.

- Similarly, cooking food to a high temperature helps kill bacteria that can cause infections, especially in meats and seafood.

- Regularly disinfecting the places and objects that come in contact with food or hands can reduce the spread of infection.

Treatment includes treating symptoms such as electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, as well as prescribing certain medications for bacterial infections as necessary. It is important to have timely diagnosis and treatment, particularly for susceptible groups like children, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.