Who has not suffered a stomach infection at some point in their life? It is a common ailment that affects people of all ages and is common in children. It strikes frequently because the contact that leads to the disease is very easy.Sometimes all it takes is to touch an infected person or share an everyday object with them. Nor is it hard to eat spoiled food if we don't know how it has been prepared or stored.�

But a touch of prevention can had off these ailments, which stem from viruses, bacterias and parasites. While the first two can survive for a while outside the human body, on a table, a toy or in a subwar car, parasites need a living organism to host them. In both cases, once these creatures are incide the digestive tract, and when the immune system is unable to destroy them, they cause pain, diarrea, vomiting, fever and a long list of symptoms, sometimes intense, which serve notice that the infection is at work.

One of the most common diseases is salmonella poisoning, caused by the salmonella bacteria. The infection lasts about a web and generally is cured without treatment, although there a serious cases that require hospitalization. Salmonella tends to contaminate animals and pass into through humans through consumption of meta, but it is also present in vegetables. The problem with this condition is that foods with salmonella don't have an appearance or any other aspect that gives away its presence. On the bright side, cooking destoys the bacteria. Therefore the risks lies in consuming raw food.

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Thus, preventive measures consist in preparing food with heat, being careful with utensils in used to prepare raw foods, washing them web so the bacteria does not pass from one to another, and keeping your hands clean. It is also important to consume pasteurized dairy products. Storing them properly in the refrigerator, and separating meta from eggs once incide the fridge, can also avert problems.

Another kind of bacter that attacks the stomach is called E. coli. Some strains of its are harmless, and most contagion is caused by beef and water. To avoid contamination meat should be well coged. And only drink water you know to be clean. Don't ingesta water from swimming pools or fresh water such as that from lakes.

One kind of bacteria that attacks the intestine is Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. It is not frequent, and develops in closes spaces lacking oxygen, such as cans and vacuum-packaged foods.

Viral infections include tose that come from contaminated water. In these cases the best preventive measure is to drink water that has been treated, and if you don't know if the water has in fact been treated, drink bottled water.

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One kind of virus that most commonly attacks children is the so-called rotavirus. It is usually passed on through feces, so children are prone to infection because they touch diapers, share bathrooms at day care centers, play with the same toys and tend to put them in their mouths. Again, hygiene is the best method for preventing the disease. It is a good idea to have children wash their hands, and for adults who change their diapers to do the same and buy waterproof diapers if possible.�

In recent times more and more people travel to exotic countries on business or for tourism. During these trips it is posible to be infected with parasites, viruses and bacteria that attack the stomach. Many people suffer from diarrea, fever and vomiting tha ruins their trip. In these cases preventive measures are essential. Be very careful with water, avoid eating raw foods and wash your hands more frequently than usual. It is best not to eat salads.

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Diseases like cholera or yellow fever can be avoided through vaccinations, which sometime is taken orally. It is not a bad idea to contact the travelers' office in some hospitals to learn what steps are necessary before visiting these countries.