If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably heard about the recent E. coli outbreak impacting nearly 13 states in the U.S. Many who fell ill ate something in common – a popular fast-food burger.
During this outbreak, urgent care clinics like Family Urgent Care are playing a crucial role in helping those people who are feeling ill.
You can get access to quick medical attention if you or your loved one is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps.
In this blog, you’ll uncover the key symptoms of E. coli infection, the unexpected ways E. coli can spread, and find out if you or someone you know could be more vulnerable.
Keep reading to stay in the know and protect yourself from this stealthy, unexpected danger.
E.Coli Alert! What Is This Infection?
E.Coli is a bacteria that is naturally present in our gut. But here’s where it gets tricky! Some pesky strains like Shiga toxin-producing E.Coli (STEC), which are not the normal part of flora, can lead to serious foodborne illnesses.
You can get it from eating contaminated foods such as raw or undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk or veggies that haven’t been properly cleaned.
It’s a tiny bacteria with a big impact if it ends up on your plate in the wrong way!
How Do Know You Have An E-Coli Infection?
Eating contaminated food can expose a person to the bacteria, with symptoms often appearing within a day or two. Some common symptoms that most people have experienced in this outbreak are as follows:
- Low fever
- Watery diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Mild to severe stomach cramps
- Nausea and vomiting in some people
- Inability to tolerate food
- Feeling tired or exhausted all day
What Symptoms Require Immediate Medical Attention From Urgent Care?
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned below, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.
- Fever higher than 102 F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days
- Bloody diarrhea
- Cannot tolerate liquids
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth or throat or urinating less than usual
If you’re near Indiana or Illinois, Family Urgent Care is here with short wait times and flexible hours, making it easy to get the care you need fast.
Who’s At More Risk Of Getting an E. Coli Infection?
Almost anyone! However, some groups are more vulnerable to getting an E.Coli infection. Let’s see who’s in the ‘hot’ zone:
- If you’re suffering from diabetes or any other chronic illness
- People suffering from Ulcerative Colitis or Chron’s disease.
- People over the age of 65.
- People having a weak immune system.
- Newborns, infants, toddlers or young children.
- International travelers are at more risk of E.Coli
- Pregnant females
The key takeaway? Wash your hands properly, make sure that the food you eat is properly cooked. And most important! Keep an eye on the warning signs.
Suffering From E.Coli? Here Is How You Can Get Back On Track Faster!
Don’t panic! The symptoms are going to get better once you start taking some early precautions and stick to a softer diet. Here are a few pointers to help you recover:
- Drink water regularly: Water and electrolytes are your best friends.
- Eat light: Stick to bland foods until your stomach’s back to normal.
- Get plenty of rest: Your body needs energy to recover.
- Wash up: Keep your hands clean.
Lastly, take the medications as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, the doctors won’t prescribe antibiotics. But if they do, make sure you do not skip any dose and complete the course.
If your symptoms don’t improve, it’s time to check in with a doctor!
Keep Your Loved Ones Safe Using These Simple Steps!
With recent E.Coli cases on the rise, especially after some fast food-related outbreaks, here are easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones:
- Never miss hand hygiene: Wash hands with soap and warm water after handling raw foods, using the bathroom, or touching animals.
- Cook meat fully: Make sure burgers or any other meat, especially ground meat, reach safe internal temperatures and are fully cooked.
- Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and fresh produce.
- Rinse your veggies: Wash all fruits and veggies under running water before eating.
- Fridge leftovers right away: Store any leftovers promptly to avoid bacteria growth.
These small steps go a long way in keeping harmful bacteria off your plate and out of your body!
A Quick Note From Family Urgent Care
All in all, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe by taking precautions and ensuring your food’s cooked right.
Here at our cliniic, we’re committed to the wellbeing of the people living in Indiana and Illinois. If you experience any symptoms like low grade fever along with stomach cramps or diarrhea, you can visit us right away.
Can’t come to the clinic as you’re busy in your hustles? You can connect with us online via telehealth right away.