By NOEL MURPHY
RAMPANT winter flu and gastro bugs gripping Geelong could spread further without proper treatment and attention to hygiene, doctors have warned.
“One of the bugs we are currently seeing – the norovirus – can be passed from person to person by various methods including faecal-oral spread,’” cautioned Geelong Medicare Local’s Dr Jane Opie.
“If people have not washed hands after toileting they put others at risk when shaking hands, preparing foods et cetera.
“The innocent victim eats food contaminated during preparation or touches their own mouth after having simple hand contact with someone carrying the virus and consumes the bug, which causes fever, vomiting, muscle aches and so on.’”
Dr Opie told the Independent the influenza outbreak was a typical August pattern for Geelong.
She said infection control was about staying home when ill and following general cough etiquette.
Dr Opie advised sufferers to cough and sneeze into tissues disposed of afterward, then wash their hands afterward, preferably in alcohol hand-rubs.
Coughing into the inside of the elbow was acceptable if tissues were unavailable.
“Those who need to attend a general practice should alert the surgery prior to attending to ensure they’re provided with a mask and alcohol hand-rub before sitting in a public waiting area,’” Dr Opie said.
She warned that influenza also put people at risk of secondary infections, such as bacterial pneumonia, a lung infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
“Those with pre-existing chronic illnesses in particular respiratory diseases including asthma are more vulnerable and would be wise to seek early medical assessment,” Dr Opie said.
