What happens if you have salmonella

How can you get a salmonella infection? What foods can give you salmonella? What are the symptoms of salmonella infection? How is it diagnosed? How long does it last? It usually lasts about a week. Four to seven days is typical. Can it be cured? What is the treatment? Can salmonella kill you? Is salmonella contagious? Who is at the greatest risk for complications from salmonella?

People who have a compromised immune system for any reason are at highest risk. How can you prevent salmonella infection? Should you wash meat before cooking it? Read more. Ohio State invests in ending central Ohio food insecurity Adequate nutrition begins with healthful foods. To diagnose salmonellosis, a doctor will examine you and ask questions, like what you might have eaten recently. The doctor might ask you for a stool sample some poop , which can be sent to a lab and tested for Salmonella bacteria.

If a healthy kid has salmonellosis and the symptoms aren't too bad, the doctor might say that no special medicine or treatment is necessary. The symptoms usually last a few days and most people feel pretty good again within a week.

But if someone's symptoms are severe, or if a tiny baby or anyone who has another illness like cancer or HIV gets salmonellosis, the doctor may do some more tests to figure out the best kind of medicine for them. Because Salmonella bacteria are spread through poop, one of the best ways to prevent illness is to wash your hands often with warm water and soap.

That's a lot of hand washing, but it's worth it! Even if you were to get Salmonella bacteria on your hands, you will get rid of them before they can make you sick. You also might remind other members of your family to wash their hands often. People who cook meals should wash their hands before touching any food. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu gastroenteritis.

Possible signs and symptoms include:. Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last two to seven days. Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, although it may take several months before bowels return to normal.

A few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries. Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals and birds. Most people are infected with salmonella by eating foods that have been contaminated by feces. Commonly infected foods include:. The Food and Drug Administration also indicates that some salmonella outbreaks have been traced to contaminants in spices.

The agency is seeking ways to increase the safety of spices. Many foods become contaminated when prepared by people who don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper.

Infection also can occur if you touch something that is contaminated, including pets, especially birds and reptiles, and then put your fingers in your mouth. Factors that may increase your risk of salmonella infection include activities that may bring you into closer contact with salmonella bacteria and health problems that may weaken your resistance to infection in general. Your body has many natural defenses against salmonella infection. For example, strong stomach acid can kill many types of salmonella bacteria.

Do not consume raw or undercooked eggs. Discard cracked eggs. Keep eggs refrigerated. Thoroughly wash produce before eating it. Avoid cross-contamination of foods. Keep uncooked meats separate from produce, cooked foods, and ready-to-eat foods. Thoroughly wash all utensils, including cutting boards, knives, and counters, after handling uncooked foods.

Thoroughly wash hands before handling foods and between handling different food items. Thoroughly wash hands after contact with feces. Thoroughly wash hands after handling any reptiles or birds, since reptiles and birds are particularly likely to carry salmonella. When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about salmonella infections Salmonella infections are diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria salmonella.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection may include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection chills, headache, nausea, or vomiting. Treatment may not be necessary unless dehydration happens or the infection spreads to the blood stream. Prevention includes cooking foods properly, avoiding raw milk and eggs, washing food, utensils, hands, and kitchen surfaces properly.

Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.