Prevention they say is better than a cure. This statement is particularly true when dealing with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. Why? You may ask, because these forms of conditions may leave chronic disabilities even after the causative agents have been adequately eradicated.
Automated molecular testing has been an efficient way of detecting diseases earlier and also discovering predisposing genetic markers that put an individual at risk. What better way to prevent a disease than reduce the factors that accompany its manifestation?
In this article, we will be exploring methods you can use to prevent diseases. Our primary focus will be infectious diseases associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
What should I know about gastrointestinal diseases?
When you hear gastrointestinal (GI) infection, the first thing to think about is what you eat. Everything that goes in through your mouth is potentially harmful and can wreak havoc. Although there are ways to sterilize your food like heating substances like fruits and vegetables, don’t go through. When you ingest contaminated food, it leads to gastrointestinal disease. The symptoms of such condition may be caused by the micro-organism itself or its toxin. Some foods that are renowned for causing food poisoning are
- Unpasteurized Dairy products
- Undercooked meats
- Fresh vegetables
What should I know about respiratory diseases?
These types of infective agents are mostly acquired through inhalation. A typical example of a contagious respiratory disease includes;
- Tuberculosis which presents as chronic cough. It is linked to overcrowded areas and low to medium socio-economic class.
- SARS-CoV-2 which may present as difficulty with breathing and general body weakness. The early detection of this viral infection is the sole determinant of its prognosis. The BD MAX System is a piece of automated molecular testing equipment that is used in making swift and accurate detection of the Coronavirus in patient samples.
Who is at risk for Gastrointestinal and Respiratory infections?
- Age above 65 years or below 5 years
- Pregnant women
- Weak immune system (maybe due to other illnesses like HIV)
TIPS FOR DISEASE PREVENTION
This list is for you to prevent diseases associated with gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
5 Tips to prevent gastrointestinal infection
- Wash your hands regularly
This is crucial in the kitchen. Always wash your hands regularly and keep all work surfaces clean.
- Separate raw food from cooked food
Especially when it comes to raw proteins like seafood and beef. Avoid cross-contamination by eliminating any interaction between cooked food and raw ones
- Cook food thoroughly and adequately
- Set fridge temperature to below 5C
- Beware of the sanitary measures at restaurants you buy food from
The right kitchen practices can avoid most infections that affect the GI system
3 Tips to prevent Respiratory infection
- Avoid smoking
- Ensure adequate ventilation of your surroundings
- Avoid people with cough
How to know if you have a Gastrointestinal or respiratory infection?
Even after you have followed all the precautions stated above, you may still come down with a fever. The best way to spot if you have a gastrointestinal or respiratory infection is to look out for the following symptoms;
GI symptoms
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
Respiratory symptoms
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Wheezing
Wrap up
Disease prevention is the first step in health maintenance. You have a part to play, but in the case, you still come down with an infection, don’t fret. Automated molecular testing is available to detect the causative agent early and determine what treatment is best for you.
