Anyone who is struck by summer flu during their holiday will suffer a lot from it for at least a few days and sometimes for a week, ruining a large part of the holiday. Especially in people with a weakened immune system and young children, the complaints can last a long time and be very serious. All the more reason to take measures for the next summer holiday, or actually for the entire summer period. Hygiene is the key to these measures to prevent contamination from spreading. This starts with washing hands and continues to properly cleaning children’s toys.

What is summer flu?

Summer flu is the name for a number of conditions in the summer that cause stomach flu. But actually the term flu is incorrect because flu is caused by the influenza virus. Summer flu occurs in virus types such as enteroviruses or noroviruses. In addition, other viruses or parasites may also be responsible for the summer flu. These viruses cause infection of the stomach and intestines, which is also referred to as intestinal disorders. If only the stomach is affected, it is called gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) and if only the intestines are involved, it is called enteritis (inflammation of the intestines).

Many nasty features

The incubation period of summer flu varies from 24 and 72 hours. Characteristics of the disease are inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach or intestines that are accompanied by abdominal pain, sometimes vomiting, bubbling intestines, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, cramps, restless stomach, nausea, fatigue and poor appetite. Noroviruses not only kill victims in the summer, but are also active in the winter. In fact, even more victims are caused because people live closer together in the winter, making it easier for the virus to strike.

How does contamination occur?

The enteroviruses, noroviruses or other viruses and parasites that cause summer flu can be spread through feces and vomit, for example from infected people. Virus particles then usually end up in the mouth via the hand, for example after shaking hands. For that reason, it is very important to wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet. Contamination can also occur through food prepared by an infected person who has not acted hygienically.

Prevent dehydration

Anyone who has been struck by summer flu simply has to wait until it is over. There are no treatments to get better faster, so the message is to get sick and get a lot of rest. Normal painkillers can at most provide some relief. However, care must be taken against dehydration and to prevent this, sufficient fluids must be taken as well as salt supplements. The risk of dehydration is associated with vomiting and diarrhea, which causes the body to lose a lot of fluid and salt. With summer flu, drinking is therefore more important than eating.

Measures

Measures that can be taken to prevent contamination and to prevent viruses from being passed on to others are:

• Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet.
• Clean the toilet regularly and especially the flush button.
• Clean taps and door handles regularly.
• Wash hands thoroughly before preparing food.
• Do not have food prepared by sick housemates.
• Allow sick housemates to use their own towels, etc., or disposable paper items.
• Wash soiled bedding, clothing, etc. at the highest possible temperature.
• Also clean children’s toys thoroughly after being touched by an infected person.

Hygiene as a key word during holidays

Summer flu causes very unpleasant situations, so it is absolutely recommended to do everything you can to prevent the disease. If someone in the holiday group is infected, it is important to ensure that the infection does not spread to other traveling companions. Hygiene is the key word.

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