At least three states are experiencing an “extremely contagious stomach bug” passing through: Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. Even if it’s not (yet) in your state, beware, and use best practices at all times to prevent disease transmission!
What is it? The stomach virus lasts a day or two and causes diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. Health experts are reminding everyone to stay hydrated, as dehydration is one of the main reasons for hospitalization when you get stomach flu (especially in the summer heat!).
Normally, bacterial food poisoning is more common during warm spring and summer months. The heat encourages bacteria to flourish, and it spreads at the common summer picnic, or through food processing plants on pre-cut fruit and veggies (or even cereal!). Viral stomach illness is more common in winter, when lack of humidity allows airborne viruses to spread, so this outbreak is a bit unusual—and should be considered as “extremely contagious” as advertised. It’s likely other states will experience an outbreak, too.
Prevention is standard: wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes/nose/mouth when out and about. When preparing food, wash your hands extra, wash counters, cutting boards, plates, and utensils between uses, and avoid raw meat contaminating anything else (don’t reuse marinade).
You can help shore yourself up with immune support. Make sure that your gut has a strong defense system by supporting its natural good bacteria colonies with good habits and diet, or by reseeding with a supplement like Flora MGR. Or you can support your overall immune system (especially useful if you’re traveling) with colloidal silver!
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