GI bugs or GI pathogens usually gain entry into the body through our mouths. This happens when we ingest contaminated food or water containing such pathogens. In some cases, the pathogens may affect both the respiratory and digestive system such that you experience GI symptoms after recovering from a respiratory infection.
To contract an infection from another person, there is usually close contact either through sharing of food or personal items. Depending on the mode of transmission, aerosols created from coughing and sneezing from an infected person may also spread the disease.
The risk of getting such a pathogen is variable and largely dependent on the exposure risk, the virulence of the pathogens as well as the immune status of the recipient. So avoid sharing food and personal items and adopting healthy eating habits and lifestyle may be your ticket to keep the GI pathogens at bay.
