Intestinal infections: what they are and how to handle them
Stomach cramps, sudden diarrhea, vomiting and fever—those can mean an intestinal infection. These infections come from bacteria, viruses or parasites that enter your gut from contaminated food, water, contact with sick people, or poor hygiene. Most are short-lived, but some need quick medical care.
Recognize the signs
Common symptoms are loose or watery stools, belly pain, nausea, sometimes bloody diarrhea, and fever. Watch for dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or very little peeing. If you’re elderly, very young, pregnant, or have a weak immune system, symptoms can worsen fast.
Different germs behave differently. Norovirus often causes sudden vomiting and watery diarrhea that clears in a couple of days. Bacteria like Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli or Shigella can cause bloody stools and high fever. Parasites such as Giardia cause long-lasting diarrhea that may need a specific medicine.
Treatment: what helps at home and when to see a doctor
Start with fluids. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) or a mix of water, salt and sugar keeps electrolytes balanced. Eat bland foods when you can—bananas, rice, toast. Avoid anti-diarrheal drugs if you have bloody diarrhea or high fever, unless a doctor says so; they can make some infections worse.
Antibiotics are only for certain bacterial infections. For example, ciprofloxacin or azithromycin may be used for severe traveler's diarrhea or confirmed bacterial causes, but resistance is common. Don’t self-prescribe antibiotics from online sources without a prescription and medical advice. Labs can test your stool to identify the cause and the right drug if needed.
See a doctor right away if you have bloody diarrhea, prolonged vomiting, signs of severe dehydration, fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), or symptoms lasting more than 48–72 hours. Also get help if you’re pregnant, elderly, a young child, or on immune-suppressing meds.
Prevention is straightforward: wash hands after toilet use and before eating, cook food thoroughly, avoid raw or questionable street food when traveling, drink bottled or boiled water in risky areas, and wash fruits and vegetables. Vaccines can prevent some causes—rotavirus vaccine protects infants, and vaccines exist for certain travel-related risks.
Quick tips: carry ORS when traveling, avoid ice from unknown sources, and isolate yourself while symptomatic to avoid spreading infections. If you’re unsure about a medicine or an online pharmacy, contact a healthcare professional first.
Getting an intestinal infection is unpleasant, but most people recover with fluids and rest. Know the red flags, protect others with good hygiene, and get medical help when signs point to something more serious.
The Benefits of Exercise in Preventing Intestinal and Vaginal Infections
As a health enthusiast, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of exercise in our lives. Not only does it keep us in shape, but it also plays a crucial role in preventing intestinal and vaginal infections. By boosting our immune system, exercise helps our body to fight off harmful bacteria and maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria. Furthermore, physical activity aids in promoting proper blood circulation, which is essential for overall health and well-being. So, let's not neglect the power of exercise in keeping our bodies infection-free and healthy!