Hello doctor, why is it that children can eat dirty stuff and do not get sick but old people easily get sick. Flavia
Dear Flavia
Contrary to your observation, in one study , the pediatric (children) population (0-17 years of age) was infected more commonly (72.7 per cent) when compared to adult cases (27.1 per cent), this was done at the university of Mississippi medical center in the USA.
Whereas there is no such a study in Uganda; its immunisation that has played a major role in reducing morbidity and mortality of infections throughout the world in children under 5 years of age, otherwise during the first few months of life infants are relatively protected against common viral infections because of passive immunity acquired from their mothers, after which period children are prone to various infections.
Prevalence of diarrhea
Prevalence of diarrhea (a key indicator of gastroenteritis) among children under 5 both in developed and undeveloped countries.
In the UK, approximately 10 per cent of children under 5 years of age annually present to health services with gastroenteritis and it remains a common reason for hospital admission in young children, while in Uganda it is approximately 20 per cent which remains a top five cause of mortality, accounting for 8 per cent of under-five deaths.
Regional, studies in Uganda show even higher rates, with some areas reporting up to 29 per cent–41 per cent or 24.6 per cent in specific studies among children.
Causes: Children vs Adults.
The most frequent cause of gastroenteritis is rotavirus infection, which accounts for up to 60 per cent of cases in children under 2 years of age and causes severe dehydrating diarrhea. Other significant causes include bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella, along with parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giard which may be accompanied high fever are often spread through contaminated food and water.
An effective vaccine against rotavirus is available given in many countries.
Similarly in adults, ingesting certain bacteria, viruses, and toxins is a common cause of gastroenteritis, contaminated food and water are common sources, but often no specific cause is found. The immunosuppressed or elderly may need antibiotics.
