Is a Salmonella Infection Dangerous?

May 15, 2023

Coming down with an infection is never a fun experience, but especially if it is due to some type of food poisoning. While you aren’t really being poisoned by your food, the bacteria or virus that has entered your body has the ability to make you feel pretty sick.

Salmonella infections are a kind of food poisoning that settles into your intestinal tract. Once you start experiencing symptoms, you can expect to feel sick for a few days as your body works hard to overcome the infection and get rid of the bacteria.

Our AFC Urgent Care Chapman Highway team explains more about salmonella infections below, so read on to learn more.

How Did I Contract Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is found in a variety of places and any time you consume or come into contact with the bacteria, you can get sick. This could happen by eating meat from an animal that was infected with the bacteria, consuming raw eggs or eating raw fruits and vegetables that haven been properly washed.

This bacteria can be killed off with proper cooking and food preparation, so try your best to be diligent about washing your produce and cooking meat and eggs to their recommended temperature for doneness.

Salmonella Infection Symptoms

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever
Nausea
Headache

How Do I Know if I Have a Severe Salmonella Infection?

Any time you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, it can make you feel pretty miserable. Even though you will certainly not be feeling your best, you have a high likelihood of a full recovery in a matter of days. In the meantime, get lots of rest, drink water, broth or any type of hydrating fluid, and try to avoid any type of food that will be hard to digest.

If your symptoms get worse instead of better or promptly become unmanageable at home for any reason, come see us at AFC. Having intense pain or experiencing blood in your vomit, urine or stool means it is time to be seen by a medical professional. Sometimes salmonella infections can travel beyond the intestines and cause other issues, so don’t be afraid to seek help when you aren’t feeling well.