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Salmonella impacts over one million people in the US each year. Of that, 26,500 are hospitalized and 420 of them pass away.
If you are over 65 years old or under the age of 12 months, you can be at a serious risk for salmonella poisoning. If you also have a compromised immune system or sickle cell disease, further complications can occur.
When you're sick with diarrhea and stomach pains, it's typically a salmonella infection. It comes from the salmonella bacteria and is the most common form of bacterial food poisoning in the US.
You might be at a higher risk if you are under the age of five, or if you live and work around high-risk animals. Additionally, if you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), that can make an infection easier to contract.
While anyone can get salmonella, certain people might be at a higher risk of infection or serious illness. It can depend on your age and living conditions, as well as certain illnesses and medications.
Another name for a salmonella infection is salmonellosis.
With salmonella, you may have varying symptoms such as diarrhea that is sometimes bloody, fever, stomach pains, or cramps.
Other symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, and a headache. It's possible to have only some or all of the symptoms.
If you don't wash your hands while preparing food and before eating, this could lead to contamination.
Other places you might find salmonella include fruits and vegetables, unpasteurized milk or cheese, untreated water, and more.
Not every case of salmonella infection will cause vomiting. Sometimes you might only have diarrhea and a fever.
Salmonella can come from animals or people who are infected. When you touch an animal and then touch your face or mouth, you can transmit the bacteria.
You can get salmonella by eating undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs. You can also get it by consuming contaminated fruits and vegetables.
It's not only frogs, toads, or birds that might have salmonella, pets such as dogs, cats, and small animals might also.
Usually, salmonella isn't treated with medication, however, if you're severely ill or at high risk for complications then your doctor might use antibiotics. Additionally, if your diarrhea is severe, you might need hospitalization.
Usually, salmonella will go away on its own after a few days of symptoms. Be sure to drink fluids to avoid further complications.
Those with serious cases should always consult a medical professional first. Some medicines used for salmonella are Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, and Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX).
Drinking lots of fluids is the best way to prevent dehydration. Beverages that can keep you hydrated include water, sports drinks, broth, and Pedialyte.
If you're sick, don't cook or prepare food for others. Always wash your hands with soap and water after using the restroom as well as before and after preparing food or eating.
Ensure you're washing food prep and eating surfaces before and after meals. Also, avoid handling other foods when working with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
Salmonella in your bloodstream, known as bacteremia, can start infecting other organs and tissues. Subsequently, your bones, joints, the lining of your heart, or brain can become inflamed. It can also lead to sepsis.
If you notice a high fever, blood in your stool, dry mouth or throat, feel dizzy when you stand, or other similar symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
Salmonella symptoms usually last four to seven days. If you find your symptoms aren't improving, consult a medical professional.
Never drink untreated water or prepare food with it. If you're unsure (if for example, you're traveling) use bottled water to drink and cook with.
Questions you might ask the doctor can include "How do I manage symptoms at home," "What do I do if symptoms worsen or change," or "How do I stay properly hydrated?"
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic)
See also: Surprising risks: the world's most dangerous foods
If enough bacteria get past your stomach acid and immune system, it can make you sick. The salmonella bacteria actually invade and destroy cells lining your intestines which is why it's difficult for your body to absorb water. From this, you can have stomach cramps and/or diarrhea.
Different types of food can have salmonella outbreaks. This includes everything from peanut butter to packaged meats and even to frozen foods and produce.
Salmonella happens when more salmonella bacteria get into your body than it can handle and destroy. This leads to an infection that causes the fever, diarrhea, and stomach issues previously mentioned.
Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of humans and animals. However, things we touch, eat, and drink might also be contaminated. Items like raw eggs, egg shells, raw red meat, seafood, and poultry are all possible carriers of salmonella.
It's likely that at some point in your life, you've been struck with a case of food poisoning. Think nausea, cramps, and a severely upset stomach, likely after eating something you didn't know was contaminated. One of the most common culprits is the bacteria salmonella.
The good news is that this infection can oftentimes be avoided with the right knowledge and care. In this gallery, you'll find all you need to know about salmonella including what it is, how to prevent it, and who should be most concerned.
Curious about how to stay safe and healthy? Click through now.
Salmonella: what it is, and how to avoid it
The dangers and how to stay safe
HEALTH Food poisoning
It's likely that at some point in your life, you've been struck with a case of food poisoning. Think nausea, cramps, and a severely upset stomach, likely after eating something you didn't know was contaminated. One of the most common culprits is the bacteria salmonella.
The good news is that this infection can oftentimes be avoided with the right knowledge and care. In this gallery, you'll find all you need to know about salmonella including what it is, how to prevent it, and who should be most concerned.
Curious about how to stay safe and healthy? Click through now.