Fact Checked
Salmonella poisoning happens when eating foods that is contaminated with the feces of humans or animals carrying the bacteria. It causes fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. The symptoms usually happen within 2-48 hours and last for 7 days. They usually heal on their own but sometimes it can result to complications.
Sources of salmonella poisoning
- Meat which includes beef and veal, poultry and pork
- Animal feces used as fertilizer for fruits and vegetable such as spinach, lettuce and strawberries
- Contaminated water
- Juices of contaminated chicken or steak and contaminates other foods or salad makes a person sick.
- Not properly washing of hands after changing diaper of the baby
- Some pets that can carry the bacteria includes birds, cats, dog and reptiles such as turtles, snakes and lizards
Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Very hot body temperature
Take the prescribed medication such as acetaminophen to lessen the fever and the pain. - Bloody stool
- Headache
- Cold sweats
- Runny nose
- Head cold
Treatment
- Drink plenty of water and other fluids such as Pedialyte if suffering from severe diarrhea. Losses of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting have a high risk of dehydration. Eat popsicles, ice chips is a way of getting both sugar and water into the system.
- Take the prescribed medication such as acetaminophen to lessen the fever and the pain.
- Give the prescribed antibiotics for the infants, older people and people with weakened immune system to lessen the severe episode of diarrhea and the pain.
- Apply a heating pad or a warm compress on the abdomen to lessen the cramps and the pain. Another alternative is using a hot water bottle is also good for the condition. Taking a hot bath will also lessen the pain and the cramps.
- Eat bland foods while still in the healing process. Avoid spicy or salty foods to prevent further cause irritation on the sensitive digestive system. Also avoid fatty food to prevent irritation on the digestive system.
- Take plenty of rest to give the body enough time to heal.
Tips
- Avoid eating raw or not properly cooked pork, beef or poultry and barely cooked eggs.
- Wash hands properly using soap and warm water before cooking and after serving the food.
- Refrigerate properly the food before cooking and serving it.
- Avoid mixing raw food with cooked food and avoid using the same utensils in preparing them.
- Keep surfaces of the kitchen clean.
- Wash hands properly using soap and water after touching animals, their toys and their beddings.