Acute intestinal infections during the summer - causes, prevention and management

Acute intestinal infections pose a significant challenge to the healthcare system, especially during the hot season. In the summer months, there is a sharp increase in referrals to infectious disease specialists, and in complicated cases, patients often require emergency inpatient care. This article aims to discuss the causes of exacerbation of acute intestinal infections in the summer, the ways of their spread, risk groups, clinical course, and effective methods of prevention.

Why do intestinal infections worsen in the summer?

The exacerbation of acute intestinal infections in the summer period is due to several interrelated factors. High ambient temperatures contribute to the rapid reproduction of microorganisms - viruses, bacteria and parasites - in food and water. Gastroenteritis, an inflammatory process of the digestive tract, is caused by these pathogens and is mostly spread by the fecal-oral route.

In the summer, human mobility increases, visits to resorts and being in crowded places. These factors increase the likelihood of contact with infected individuals, which, in conditions of inadequate personal hygiene, contributes to the spread of infection. That is why acute intestinal infections are especially relevant in the spring-summer period.

How is intestinal infection spread?

The main route of transmission is through contaminated water or food. Person-to-person spread is also common, especially in cases of poor hygiene. The mechanism of transmission is fecal-oral, meaning that pathogens enter the body through contaminated hands, objects, food, or drink.

Viral gastroenteritis can be spread by shaking hands with an infected person, by contaminated objects, or by eating food (such as unpasteurized milk). To prevent further spread of the infection, an infected person should strictly follow hygiene rules for at least 48 hours after symptoms have resolved.

Risk groups for intestinal infections

Acute intestinal infections occur in all age groups - both children and the elderly can be infected. However, special risk groups include:

• Young children: their immune system is still in the process of formation;

• Elderly: Immunity weakens with age;

• Individuals with compromised immune status: Patients with chronic diseases or on immunosuppressive therapy.

In these groups, the course of the disease is often more severe and the risk of complications is higher.

Disease course and symptoms

The clinical picture and severity of acute intestinal infection vary, depending on the causative agent and the individual characteristics of the patient. The disease usually begins acutely and is manifested by the following symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting;

• Abdominal pain and spasms;

• Frequent bowel movements (diarrhea), which may or may not contain blood or mucus;

• Arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain);

• Increased body temperature (from normal to high numbers).

Early in the disease, there are often pronounced signs of intoxication and dehydration. This condition often requires intensive fluid resuscitation in a hospital setting, and if necessary, antibiotic therapy.

Prevention - How to avoid infection?

To prevent acute intestinal infection, it is necessary to adhere to strict hygiene standards and ensure food safety:

• Personal hygiene:
  • Thorough hand washing before and after eating;
  • Washing hands after using the toilet, contact with animals, and handling raw meat.

• Food safety:
  
  • Properly clean vegetables and fruits under running water;
  • Refrain from eating street food;
  • Eating only well-cooked food;
  • Avoiding the consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

• Limiting contacts: Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of acute intestinal infection.

Diagnosis and proper management of the disease is carried out by an infectious disease physician , either on an outpatient basis or, if necessary, in an inpatient setting. Therefore, in case of prolonged or worsening symptoms, it is important to consult a specialist promptly. Timely verification of the diagnosis will prevent severe complications of the infection and promote a speedy recovery.

Author: Khatia Khatiashvili - Infectious Disease Specialist