Gastroenteritis, often called "gastro" or stomach flu, spreads primarily through the fecal-oral route. This means the infection is transmitted when the virus or bacteria from stool or vomit of an infected person enters another person's mouth. The spread can happen through:
- Close contact with an infected person, like shaking hands or caring for someone sick.
- Touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles or taps that have virus particles.
- Consuming contaminated food or drink.
- Exposure to airborne particles when a person vomits.
Viruses like norovirus and rotavirus are the most common causes of gastroenteritis and are highly contagious through these routes. Good hygiene, especially hand washing, is crucial to preventing the spread.
