Stomach Flu Prevention: An Overview
No vaccine is available for the
stomach flu, with the exception of a newly released
rotavirus vaccine called RotaTeq
®. This oral vaccine for infants aged 6 weeks to 32 weeks was approved in February 2006 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Otherwise, stomach
flu prevention involves reducing your chances of coming in contact with stomach flu viruses.
Reduce Exposure to Stomach Flu
You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with stomach flu viruses by following these preventive steps:
- Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food
- Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with stomach flu viruses after an episode of illness (use hot water and soap)
- Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet, and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean
- Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
People with the stomach flu should not prepare food while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness. Food that may have been contaminated by an ill person should be disposed of properly.
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