During the hot season, it is important to reinforce hygiene and careful handling of food, as high temperatures promote the proliferation of microorganisms that could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
For this reason, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Yucatán reiterates its call to take care of people’s health and offers some recommendations to avoid these types of conditions.
The Medical Assistant Coordinator in Public Health, Dr. Mirna Guadalupe López Gutiérrez, explained that gastrointestinal illnesses are caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses that attack the stomach and intestines. They manifest with more than three bowel movements in 24 hours or with a decrease in the usual consistency and increased frequency. They can also cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased bowel movements, watery diarrhea, abdominal pain and/or cramps, fever, and weakness.
“Among the most common gastrointestinal illnesses are food poisoning caused by contaminated food and gastroenteritis, which is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines. It should be noted that the groups most vulnerable to these complications include children under five years of age, people over sixty, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses,” added López Gutiérrez.
Therefore, the IMSS offers some recommendations to avoid these types of illnesses, such as: consider storing food in sealed containers and refrigerating it; remembering to wash your hands before eating; avoiding eating street food, poorly refrigerated food, or food of questionable origin; when eating food, it is important to ensure it is thoroughly cooked; and consume bottled, boiled, or chlorinated water.
Similarly, it is essential to eat previously washed and disinfected fruits and vegetables and keep the kitchen clean when preparing food. Regarding the refrigerator, it is suggested to set the temperature higher than usual to keep food fresh and cold, in addition to keeping the door tightly closed and maintaining cleanliness.
The specialist reiterated that if you experience a deterioration in your health or the symptoms mentioned above, you should visit your Family Medicine Unit for follow-up care to avoid further complications or side effects that could jeopardize your quality of life.
TYT Newsroom
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