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Apr 29, 2022 · Antibiotics are not helpful in most cases of salmonella infection. In fact, antibiotics may extend the period in which you carry the bacteria and can infect others. They can also increase your risk of getting infected again (relapse).
If you take antibiotics, this can increase the amount of time the bacteria stays in your system. How long does salmonella live on surfaces? If salmonella gets onto a...
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Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and eggs or egg products or by drinking unpasteurized milk. The incubation period — the time between exposure and illness — can be 6 hours to 6 days. Often, people who have salmonella infection think they have the stomach flu.
Possible signs and symptoms of salmonella infection include:
•Diarrhea
•Stomach (abdominal) cramps
•Fever
•Nausea
Most people don't need to seek medical attention for salmonella infection because it clears up on its own within a few days.
However, if the affected person is an infant, young child, older adult or someone with a weakened immune system, call a health care provider if illness:
•Lasts more than a few days
•Is associated with high fever or bloody stools
•Appears to be causing dehydration, with signs such as such as urinating less than usual, dark-colored urine and having a dry mouth and tongue
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Infected food and water
Commonly infected foods include:
Improperly handled food
Many foods become contaminated when prepared by people who don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper or after handling contaminated food.
Infected surfaces
Infection can also occur if people touch something that is contaminated and then put their fingers in their mouths.
Increased exposure Stomach or bowel disorders
The body has many natural defenses against salmonella infection. For example, strong stomach acid can kill many types of salmonella bacteria. But some medical problems or medications can short-circuit these natural defenses. Examples include:
Immune problems
Some medical problems or medications appear to increase your risk of catching salmonella by weakening your immune system. This interferes with your body's ability to fight infection and disease. Examples include:
Dehydration
If you can't drink enough to replace the fluid you're losing from diarrhea, you may become dehydrated. Warning signs include:
Bacteremia
If salmonella infection enters your bloodstream (bacteremia), it can infect tissues throughout your body, including:
Reactive arthritis
People who have had salmonella are at higher risk of developing reactive arthritis from salmonella infection. Also known as Reiter's syndrome, reactive arthritis typically causes:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) oversees and updates inspection, sampling and testing programs for poultry and meat. The purpose is to cut the number of salmonella infections in the United States.
You can avoid getting salmonella and spreading bacteria to others in several ways, including safely preparing food, hand-washing, avoiding contamination, and not eating raw meat, dairy or egg products.
•Mayo Clinic Minute: Keeping Thanksgiving salmonella-free
•Mayo Clinic Minute: Tips to avoid salmonella infection
Apr 12, 2024 · Common oral antibiotics for salmonella for adults include fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin for children. However, antibiotic treatment poses some risks, including an increased possibility of a relapse.
Nov 21, 2019 · Salmonella infection is diagnosed when a laboratory test detects Salmonella bacteria in a person’s stool (poop), body tissue, or fluids. Antibiotic treatment is recommended for: People with severe illness. People with a weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or chemotherapy treatment.
Nov 17, 2021 · Which antibiotics treat salmonella? The first-line treatment for salmonella infections are fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin. Third-generation cephalosporins are also effective, and often they are the first antibiotic given if a salmonella infection is suspected but not confirmed.
Jun 3, 2024 · Uncooked Meat, Seafood, and Poultry. The most common way to get salmonella poisoning is through consuming contaminated food of animal origin (eggs, meat, poultry, fish, and milk). Other foods like fruits and vegetables can carry salmonella if they have been contaminated by manure.
