The risk of gastrointestinal infections can be reduced by strengthening the immune system. Vitamins A, B2, B6, C, D and E, minerals like selenium and zinc are essential for maintaining the functioning of the immune system. Deficiency of these nutrients weakens the body’s defense mechanism against invading germs. Excess stress can also weaken the immune system. Avoiding stressors and practicing stress management techniques may help the immune system to perform its normal activities. 

When a person with gastroenteritis vomits, the germs can spread to the environment. When an uninfected person inhales the air containing the gastroenteritis virus or swallows the airborne germ, he/she may develop the infection. To prevent spread of gastroenteritis virus, people diagnosed with the gastrointestinal infection are usually prescribed antiemetics to prevent vomiting. 

Avoiding contact with a person with symptoms of gastroenteritis can prevent transmission of the infection through person-to-person contact. Confining people suspected of suffering from viral gastroenteritis to their rooms or homes until they are symptom-free can prevent the viral infection from spreading to other people.

Rotavirus is a key cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting among children worldwide. Vaccines can protect children from the gastrointestinal infection. The number of doses of the vaccine depends upon the vaccine brand that the pediatrician has prescribed. The first dose is given between six weeks and two months of age. When the baby is four months old, he/she will require the second dose of the rotavirus vaccine. In some cases, a third dose is given at six months of age. However, the vaccine is not recommended for babies who have had allergic reaction to a dose of rotavirus vaccine. The vaccine is not given to babies allergic to latex and with weakened immune system or severe combined immunodeficiency. 

Sharing foods, drinks and eating utensils with people suffering from viral gastroenteritis may spread the infection.

Certain viral strains such as norovirus can survive on hard surfaces for several months. Disinfecting surfaces that may be contaminated with the germs can prevent the infection from spreading. You can prepare a disinfectant solution be mixing two cups of household bleach with water. Commercial disinfectant cleaners can also be used for cleaning the countertops, tables and other objects.

The risk of developing gastroenteritis can be minimized by drinking boiled water or water that has been treated with chlorine.

Always eat foods prepared under hygienic conditions. Eating contaminated food is the major cause of developing bacterial gastroenteritis. Try to eat food that is freshly cooked, and preferably warm. The germs might thrive in raw and undercooked foods. Before preparing food, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Use a good quality detergent for washing the cooking utensils. Wash the fruits, vegetables and other cooking ingredients properly. Always thoroughly clean the surface or containers on which you have kept raw meat or fish. Eating shellfish contaminated by water containing norovirus is a common cause of gastroenteritis. Germs involved with the gastrointestinal infection cannot survive at very high temperatures. Gastroenteritis can be prevented by consuming beef, poultry and fish cooked at least at 160 ˚F, 180 ˚F and 140 ˚F temperatures, respectively. Refrigerate cooked foods at least at 40 ˚F temperature.

The vomit and stool of people suffering from gastroenteritis are the main sources of the microbes responsible for the infection. If the infected people do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom, the germs will spread from their unclean hands to other objects, foods and even humans touched with the unwashed hands. To prevent spread of the infection, people diagnosed with gastroenteritis should wash their hands thoroughly with medicated soap and water. Uninfected people can reduce their risk of contracting gastroenteritis by frequently washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. If you have babies in your house, remember to wash your hands with soap and warm water every time you change the diaper.