Patient education: Salmonella infection (The Basics)

What is Salmonella infection? — This is an illness that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. "Salmonella" is a kind of bacteria. People usually get the infection by eating or touching foods that have the bacteria in it. This is often chicken, eggs, or dairy products.

You can also get the infection from touching certain animals, then touching your mouth. These animals include chickens, ducks, and turtles.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella infection? — Symptoms usually start within a few days of being infected. The symptoms include:

●Nausea or vomiting

●Fever – This usually lasts 2 or 3 days.

●Diarrhea that can be watery or bloody – This usually lasts 4 to 10 days.

●Belly pain or cramping

Salmonella infection is usually not serious. Most people get better within a few days to a week. But in some cases, the bacteria get into the bloodstream. If this happens, people with certain conditions could get very sick. These include people who have:

●A weak immune system

●Cancer

●Another serious disease

Babies under 1 year old, and adults older than 50, are also more likely to get very sick from Salmonella infection.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — See your doctor or nurse if you:

●Have severe belly pain

●Cannot eat or drink

●Vomit blood or have blood in your bowel movements

●Have a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) for more than 2 or 3 days

Is there a test for Salmonella infection? — Yes, but not everyone needs it. If your symptoms are not severe, you probably won't need a test.

If you have a high risk of getting very sick from Salmonella infection, your doctor or nurse might:

●Do a test, even if you do not have severe symptoms – This involves taking a sample of your bowel movement to check for Salmonella bacteria. It can take 2 or 3 days to get the test results.

●Start treating you before getting your test results

How is Salmonella infection treated? — It usually goes away on its own, so most people do not need treatment. But if you get very sick, you might be treated in the hospital. Doctors can give antibiotics through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV."

Antibiotics help get rid of the infection and keep it from coming back.

Your doctor might prescribe antibiotic pills if:

●You have a high risk of getting very sick from Salmonella infection.

●Your symptoms are severe.

If your immune system is normal, you probably only need to take antibiotics for a few days. You might need them for longer if:

●You have a weak immune system.

●The infection has caused other health problems.

What can I do on my own to feel better? — You can:

●Drink plenty of liquids that have water, salt, and sugar – If your symptoms are mild, you can try water mixed with juice, soda, or soup broth. This helps replace the fluids your body loses when you vomit or have diarrhea.

●Eat what you can, starting with small amounts. Foods with a lot of fat in them might make you feel worse.

●Rest if you feel tired.

Can Salmonella infection be prevented? — Yes. To lower the chances of getting or spreading the infection:

●Wash your hands frequently. This is especially important before and after preparing food and after changing diapers, going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, touching animals, or taking out the trash.

●Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

●Pay attention to food safety. Tips include:

•Don't drink unpasteurized milk or eat foods made with it.

•Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating them.

•Keep the refrigerator colder than 40°F (4.4°C) and the freezer below 0°F (-18°C).

•Cook meat and seafood until well done.

•Cook eggs until the yolk is firm.

•Wash hands, knives, and cutting boards after they touch raw food.

For more tips to on handling food safely, see the table (table 1).

What if I am pregnant? — If you think that you might have Salmonella infection, talk to your doctor, nurse, or midwife. Most pregnant people do not need treatment. But you might need it if you get very sick and are near your due date.

More on this topic

Patient education: Diarrhea in teens and adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Food poisoning (The Basics)

Patient education: Acute diarrhea in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Acute diarrhea in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Foodborne illness (food poisoning) (Beyond the Basics)