Featured Post

Aptamer Detection of Mycobaterium tuberculosis Mannose-Capped Lipoarabinomannan in Lesion Tissues for Tuberculosis Diagnosis

Image
is bacterial sore throat contagious :: Article Creator "I Have A Bacterial Cold, Am I Contagious?" Know What A Doctor Has To Say A sore throat is a common sign of a respiratory infection. A runny, stuffy nose can also indicate a cold, which is usually caused by a virus. However, sometimes, throat pain or other related symptoms can also signal a bacterial infection. According to Dr Sunita Nagpal, General Physician and Gynaecologist, Salubritas Medical Center, South Delhi, while most colds are caused by viruses, some may be the result of bacterial infections. This is usually a secondary complication after a viral infection, the doctor adds. Dr Nagpal emphasises the importance of understanding the difference between a viral and a bacterial cold and shares that the treatment may differ. Some people also wonder whether a bacterial cold is also contagious like a viral infection. Here's everything you need to know about the same and what ...
- Post a Comment

Chest X-ray showing loss of lung volume on the left side with a...



can stomach bacteria be contagious :: Article Creator

Expert Doctor Issues 'severe Norovirus Warning' As Four Groups Of People 'most At Risk'

04:09, 16 Mar 2025Updated 08:38, 16 Mar 2025

Dr Angad Dhillon, a consultant gastroenterologist with Doctify, has issued a warning about the ongoing threat of Norovirus in the UK. The stomach flu-like illness has seen a surge in cases over the festive period and, while many people may not require medical intervention, Dr Dhillon has highlighted four groups who are at risk of suffering a severe version of the disease.

These include young children, elderly individuals, those with compromised immune systems, and pregnant women. The expert warned: "As few as 10 virus particles can cause a norovirus infection, making it one of the most contagious viruses. Individuals are contagious from the moment symptoms begin until at least 48 hours after they resolve."

‌

These groups, he explained, have immune systems that might not be as effective in combating the virus and are also at a high risk of complications related to dehydration caused by norovirus. For these individuals, prevention is crucial.

‌

He advised: "Hand sanitisers aren't enough against norovirus, thorough handwashing with soap and water is the most effective prevention method. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitisers are less effective against norovirus.

"Food safety is also important, thoroughly cook seafood and wash fruits and vegetables before consumption. Staying home when ill is also advised when ill, so you should avoid public places and close contact with others when experiencing symptoms and for at least 48 hours after recovery."

‌

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is notoriously difficult to avoid and can remain on surfaces for days. Posing significant risks in households where one person falls ill.

Dr Dhillon said: "Norovirus is a common but preventable cause of gastroenteritis. By understanding its transmission, recognising symptoms, and implementing proper care and hygiene practices, individuals can recover effectively and minimise the risk of spreading the virus. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable."

Crucial symptoms to look out for, according to Dr Dhillon, include:

  • Nausea and vomiting which can strike rapidly and with intensity
  • Diarrhoea that may cause dehydration
  • Abdominal cramps, pain and discomfort
  • A low-grade fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle pains
  • Tiredness

    • Detailed advice regarding norovirus and guidance on when to seek help is available on the NHS website.


    The Bacteria Behind Stomach Ulcers

    Rosemary Leonard

    If you had a stomach ulcer 20 years ago, you would be told to cut down on rich food, alcohol, cigarettes and stress.

    The ultimate solution was surgery to reduce the acid secretion in the stomach by cutting its nerve supply, or, more drastic still, having part of your stomach removed.

    How things have changed. It is now known that 80 pc of stomach ulcers and 95 pc of duodenal ulcers are due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H pylori).

    This bug also appears to be the main cause of gastritis, where there is chronic inflammation of the stomach lining.

    More worrying, H pylori infection has also been linked with an increased risk of stomach cancer.

    The bacteria appear to invade the mucus that lines and protects the wall of both the stomach and the duodenum, where it acts as an irritant, causing inflammation and making the stomach more susceptible to acid attack.

    It seems increasingly likely that people are infected in childhood.

    Overcrowded living conditions and poor sanitation increase infection rates, to the extent that in underdeveloped countries 80 pc are affected. In the UK, the figure is about 50 pc - still alarmingly high.

    The infection also appears to spread easily within families.

    H pylori infection can be diagnosed in several ways. As with any infection, the body's immune system produces antibodies to H pylori, and these can be detected via a blood test.

    But a blood test is no good for assessing whether treatment has been successful. For this, a urea breath test is more helpful.

    This involves swallowing a harmless substance that is broken down by the stomach if the bacteria are present. The breakdown products can then be detected in the breath.

    H pylori can also be accurately detected by taking a sample directly from the stomach lining during endoscopy.

    Treatment with antibiotics and special antacid drugs can eradicate the bacterial infection, allowing the stomach lining to return to normal and ulcers to heal.

    As with many infections, some strains of H pylori are becoming resistant to standard antibiotic treatments. Those with persistent symptoms should see their doctor to discuss a breath test and a possible different course of treatment.

    {"status":"error","code":"499","payload":"Asset id not found: readcomments comments with assetId=974, assetTypeId=1"}

    Stomach Flu: Why Doesn't Hand Sanitiser Work Against Norovirus?

    Norovirus differs from other viruses.

    Spraying hands and surfaces is the wrong strategy to combat the stomach bug. (Photo: Berit Roald / NTB)

    Hand sanitiser kills most bacteria and viruses we encounter.

    But when stomach flu is rampant, alcohol does not work.

    Why is that?

    "Norovirus is what's called a naked virus," doctor Hilde Marie Lund at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) tells sciencenorway.No.

    The notorious stomach virus lacks something that many viruses and bacteria have.

    Annonse

    Lacks a fatty membrane

    When you pour dish soap into dirty dishwater, the fatty membrane on the surface breaks apart.

    Similarly, most viruses can be killed with alcohol or soap.

    They are surrounded by a layer of fats.

    The viruses that cause influenza and Covid-19 have such an outer lipid membrane. The same applies to many cold viruses.

    When you use hand sanitiser, the membrane breaks.

    But the resilient norovirus lacks this membrane.

    That is why hand sanitiser and other disinfectants have only a limited effect against contagious vomiting and diarrhoea.

    Some viruses are naked (on the left), meaning their genetic material is only protected by a protein shell. Many viruses are also surrounded by a membrane containing lipids (on the right). (Image: Shutterstock / NTB)

    Use water and soap

    What about soap?

    Soap does not actually kill norovirus either.

    Still, handwashing is your best protection against contagious vomiting and diarrhoea, according to Lund.

    "The main reason why handwashing is more effective than alcohol is the mechanical cleaning process involved," the doctor explains.

    Hilde Marie Lund is a doctor at the Norwegian Institute of Health's Department of Infection Control and Preparedness. (Photo: Private)

    Even though handwashing does not kill norovirus, it can remove the tiny carriers of infection from your hands.

    Annonse

    "When you wash with soap and water, you rinse away virus particles," says Lund.

    Spreads through hands

    Norovirus is not the only virus that causes stomach flu, but it is the most common and spreads quickly from person to person.

    Virus particles from faeces or vomit ends up on hands – and then on everything from door handles to food. 

    "It's often said that it takes between 10 and 100 virus particles to make you sick. And in one gram of faeces, there can be a billion virus particles," says Lund.

    Small children also tend to put their hands toys in their mouths. 

    Kindergartens often experience larger outbreaks of stomach flu. This is why thorough handwashing is especially important after using the toilet and before meals. (Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB)

    What about the house? There's an effective solution in your cupboard

    Is there really no way to kill norovirus?

    Yes, there is. In healthcare and industry, several different disinfectants are used to stop this resilient virus.

    Most of us actually have such a disinfectant in our cupboard:

    Bleach.

    "Bleach is something found in many homes, and it's an effective agent against norovirus. That's why we recommend it for private households and the general public," says Lund, adding:

    "As long as the surface can tolerate it, of course."

    Corrosive power

    Bleach can corrode holes in the virus.

    If it comes into contact with your skin, it burns intensely.

    That is because bleach is a strong oxidising agent

    Even though norovirus lacks a fatty membrane, it is surrounded by a protein shell. 

    Scientific studies show that bleach corrodes this protein layer.

    Bleach can both whiten and disinfect because it is a powerful oxidising agent. (Photo: Gorm Kallestad / NTB)

    How to do it

    For bleach to be effective, you must first remove any traces of diarrhoea or vomit from the surface. 

    Wipe up visible residue with paper, then clean the area with water and soap before disinfecting with a diluted bleach solution, recommends Lund.

    However, the virus mutates very quickly. 

    Scientific studies suggest that some strains may therefore become resistant to cleaning agents over time.

    How to prevent norovirus from spreading in your home
  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
  • Wipe surfaces like toilets and door handles with a bleach solution.
  • Use paper towels to remove vomit, then wash the area with soap and water. Disinfect with a bleach solution at the end, if the surface can tolerate it.
  • Use separate towels for each household member while someone is sick.
  • The person who is sick should not prepare food for others.

    • (Source: Norwegian Institute of Public Health)

    ———

    Translated by Alette Bjordal Gjellesvik

    Read the Norwegian version of this article on forskning.No

    References:

    Chassaing et al. Free Chlorine and Peroxynitrite Alter the Capsid Structure of Human Norovirus GII.4 and Its Capacity to Bind Histo-Blood Group Antigens, Frontiers in Microbiology, vol 12, 2021. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.662764

    Fuzawa et al. Free Chlorine Disinfection Mechanisms of Rotaviruses and Human Norovirus Surrogate Tulane Virus Attached to Fresh Produce Surfaces, Environmental Science & Technology, vol. 53, 2019. DOI: 10.1021/acs.Est.9b03461

    Norwegian Institute of Public Health: How to prevent gastroenteritis caused by norovirus

    Wanguyun et al. Genetic diversity of murine norovirus populations less susceptible to chlorine, Frontiers in Microbiology, vol. 15, 2024. DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1372641

    Why do you get the stomach flu? How much should you drink when you're sick? Subscribe to our newsletter

    The latest news from Science Norway, sent twice a week and completely free.

    Sign up





    -

    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular Posts

    Preventing, controlling spread of animal diseases focus of forum at Penn State - Pennsylvania State University

    Image
    UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — An outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in poultry in 2014-15 resulted in the destruction of more than 50 million chickens and turkeys in the U.S., causing billions of dollars in economic loss. This animal disease outbreak — the worst in U.S. history — is one example of how devastating a foreign animal disease can be to animal agriculture and the country's economy. The resurgence of avian influenza in multiple states, including Pennsylvania, is once again bringing the importance of preventing animal diseases to the forefront, noted Suresh Kuchipudi, clinical professor of microbiology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Exploring the emergence, spread and control of animal infectious diseases such as avian influenza was the focus of the inaugural Emerging Animal Infectious Disease Conference held Nov. 29-Dec.1, 2021, at Penn State. It was hosted by the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Pennsylvania Department of A...
    Read more

    Model Monday's: Diana Moldovan

    Image
    dented can botulism :: Article Creator Three Canadians Sickened In France's Botulism Outbreak Are From Quebec: PHAC The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed that the three Canadians who fell ill in a botulism outbreak in France are from Quebec. They're among at least 12 people who have suspected botulism after eating sardines prepared and served at Tchin Tchin Wine Bar in Bordeaux, France. The food was eaten between Sept. 4 and Sept. 10. The Associated Press has reported that some patients have been released from hospital, but most of them are in intensive care or critical condition. Canada's public health agency says it cannot divulge the condition of the patients from Quebec because it is considered private health information. Other tourists from the U.S., Ireland, Germany and Spain were among those sickened. One patient, who was not from Canada, has died. France's public health agency is leading the investigation...
    Read more

    Navel Orangeworm Plague Might be Growing Out of Control - Growing Produce

    Image
    JavaScript is required for the gallery to function properly. Start Slideshow When it comes to navel orangeworm control in your pistachio, almond, and walnut orchards in the fall and winter, sanitation is the key. While that sounds simple — destroy any mummy nuts — the truth is there are a lot of factors that can make a simple solution complicated. Advertisement These complications have financial implications, as labor to help clean up the orchard can be costly and time-consuming. These complications can also come in the form of weather issues that make postharvest cleanup more of a challenge. “Although this is a proven practice, we still see some growers are not doing this practice, for whatever reason. Sometimes, it is difficult to do mummy sanitation due to the rainfall in the winter, or due to the heavy ground in some orchards. But it is important to plan in advance considering these factors. Sanitation can be done at any time between October and Feb. 1,” Jhalendr...
    Read more