Salmonella?

Salmonellosis is a type of food poisoning caused by the salmonella bacterium. There are many different kinds of these bacteria; Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis are the most common types in the United States.

Every year, approximately 40,000 cases of salmonella are reported in the U.S. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be 30 or more times greater. Salmonella is more common in the summer than winter. Children are the most likely to get salmonella; young children, older adults, and people with impaired immune systems are the most likely to have severe infections.

Obviously, you get salmonella from foods that have the salmonella bacteria in it. Salmonella can be found in food that has been handled wrong during the food-making process, handled by unclean hands of food sellers, and also from food that has grown in infected ground. Salmonella is also carried in animal droppings. These infected droppings become mixed with the soil of the ground, thus infecting the plant.

Symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. They develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Most people recover without treatment. But diarrhea and dehydration may be so severe that it is necessary to go to the hospital. Older people and small infants are the ones that are at highest risk.

If you only have diarrhea, you usually recover rather quickly. A small number of people who are infected with salmonella develop Reiter's Syndrome, a disease that can last for months or years and can lead to chronic arthritis

You treat salmonella by managing any complications until it passes. Dehydration caused by diarrhea is the most common complication. Antibiotics are not usually needed unless the infection has spread.

To prevent dehydration, drink lots of water or sports drinks such as Gatorade. Soda and fruit juices have too much sugar and should not be used to rehydrate. Eating your usual diet will help you to get enough nutrition. Doctors believe that eating a normal diet will also help you feel better faster. But try to avoid foods that are high in fat and sugar. Also avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee for 2 days after all symptoms have disappeared.

Salmonella is painful and not fun. It's one of the most common food-related illnesses. When someone says they had food poisoning because they are nauseous are wrong. Food poisoning is usually referring to salmonella. To avoid this illness, wash you hands frequently and ALWAYS wash your fruits, veggies, and meat before cooking or eating them.