At present, China is in a critical period of flood prevention during the "Seven Downs and Eight Ups" period. Recently, many places have experienced heavy rainfall and frequent flood disasters. After a disaster occurs, various infectious disease outbreaks are prone to occur due to factors such as damage to water supply systems, destruction of living conditions, and increased opportunities for contact between populations and vector organisms, among which intestinal infections can occur from time to time. So, what are the symptoms of intestinal infection? How should it be treated? How to prevent floods after disasters? In response to these issues, a reporter from Science and Technology Daily interviewed relevant experts from the Infectious Disease Medical Department of the Fifth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital. Zhao Peng, the deputy chief physician of the department, said, "After floods and waterlogging disasters, water sources and food are easily contaminated, especially unclean water bodies, which may become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, leading to intestinal infections. The common pathogenic microorganisms of intestinal infections after floods and waterlogging disasters mainly include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bacteria such as Shigella, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, etc. can cause bacterial dysentery, gastroenteritis, food poisoning, etc; Viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus can cause viral diarrhea; Parasites such as hookworms and roundworms may also cause intestinal infections. The symptoms of intestinal infection are diverse, but usually include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, etc Zhao Peng introduced that diarrhea is the most common symptom of intestinal infections, which may manifest as watery stools, mucous stools, or bloody stools depending on the pathogen of infection. Severely infected individuals may even experience symptoms such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, shock, etc. Zhao Peng pointed out that when experiencing symptoms of intestinal infection, the first thing to do is to remain calm and avoid panic. Mild symptoms can be self treated by adjusting diet, supplementing water and electrolytes, etc. They can eat light, easily digestible liquid or semi liquid foods such as porridge, noodles, etc., and avoid spicy, greasy and other stimulating foods. At the same time, patients should pay attention to personal hygiene, wash their hands frequently, and avoid sharing utensils with others. For the treatment of intestinal infections, the appropriate treatment method is mainly selected based on the type and severity of the infection Zhang Xin, the deputy chief physician of the department, further explained that for bacterial infections, doctors usually prescribe antibiotics for treatment; For viral infections, treatment measures such as fluid replacement to maintain electrolyte balance and probiotics to regulate intestinal microbiota need to be taken. During the treatment process, patients should follow the doctor's advice to take medication on time and pay attention to changes in their condition. If the condition worsens, they should seek medical attention and hospitalization in a timely manner Zhang Xin emphasized. Zhang Xin pointed out that the key to preventing intestinal infections is to avoid contamination of water sources and food. After a flood disaster, attention should be paid to the safety of drinking water, and bottled water that is boiled or meets hygiene standards should be selected as much as possible; Avoid eating raw, unwashed or unprocessed food, especially seafood, fruits, etc; Pay attention to personal hygiene, wash hands frequently, and avoid contact with patients with intestinal infectious diseases; Strengthen physical exercise and enhance the body's immunity. In addition, relevant departments should strengthen public health management, timely clean up garbage, disinfect the environment, etc., to reduce the risk of intestinal infections. Intestinal infection after floods is a common health problem, but by strengthening prevention and control measures, the risk of infection can be effectively reduced. When symptoms of infection appear, seek medical attention promptly and follow medical advice for treatment Zhao Peng said. (New Society)