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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There Anything I Can Do To Minimize Getting A Stomach Bug Which Is Persistent In The Family And Imodium Be Used As An Preventive Measure?

Hi My 6 year old boy developed a stomach bug on Xmas Eve. Vomiting and dioreah. This lasted 24 hours and he came right. My 6 year old daughter then had same bug on boxing day. Lasted about 30 hours. My 9 yar old boy also developed same bug on boxing day. Now 3 days later and he still has occasional vomiting and watery dioreah but seems to perk up between these spells. Now my wife has gone down with it. She has severe headache and vomiting. Just started. We have been keeping everyones fluids up and letting this bug run its coarse. Im thinking that I will be next. Is there anything i can do to minimise or prevent getting this. Do you recommend Imodium and should i take it as a prevention? Oh! I should also mention that we know this bug is prevelant in Whangaparaoa at the moment.
Tue, 31 Dec 2013
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.
All the family members are AGE ( Acute Gastroenteritis).
Thus is most commonly due to infection by virus, bacteria or parasites in spoiled food or uncleaned water.
Viruses and bacteria are very contagious and can spread through contaminated food or water.
Improper hand washing following a bowel movement or handling a diaper can spread the disease from person to person.
In Acute gastroenteritis, avoiding dehydration and electrolyte loss is prime importance.
Because fluid and electrolyte loss beyond some level may result in life threatening illness.
If the infection is persistent or come back again, it is essential to identify the causative organism.
This may require blood work up, stool examination and culture, blood culture , serum electrolytes etc.
It is not advisable to take loperamide in acute infection.
Drink plenty of water and non caffinated non dairy drinks.
For vomiting you can take medications like promethazine or perchlorperazine suppositories.
Please follow this basic hygenic measures to avoid further infection in future.
1. Always wash your hands before eating and after using toilet.
2. Eat properly prepared and stored food.
3. Bleach soiled laundry cleanly.
4. Check the water if they are stored.
5. Clean the water storage tank regularly

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Is There Anything I Can Do To Minimize Getting A Stomach Bug Which Is Persistent In The Family And Imodium Be Used As An Preventive Measure?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. All the family members are AGE ( Acute Gastroenteritis). Thus is most commonly due to infection by virus, bacteria or parasites in spoiled food or uncleaned water. Viruses and bacteria are very contagious and can spread through contaminated food or water. Improper hand washing following a bowel movement or handling a diaper can spread the disease from person to person. In Acute gastroenteritis, avoiding dehydration and electrolyte loss is prime importance. Because fluid and electrolyte loss beyond some level may result in life threatening illness. If the infection is persistent or come back again, it is essential to identify the causative organism. This may require blood work up, stool examination and culture, blood culture , serum electrolytes etc. It is not advisable to take loperamide in acute infection. Drink plenty of water and non caffinated non dairy drinks. For vomiting you can take medications like promethazine or perchlorperazine suppositories. Please follow this basic hygenic measures to avoid further infection in future. 1. Always wash your hands before eating and after using toilet. 2. Eat properly prepared and stored food. 3. Bleach soiled laundry cleanly. 4. Check the water if they are stored. 5. Clean the water storage tank regularly Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.