Infections can be caused by many different kinds of viruses and bacteria, and each infection comes with its own symptoms and unpleasant reactions. Salmonella infections are no different! In the case of salmonella infections, your body has been infected with salmonella bacteria that have been introduced into your intestinal tract.

Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that you can experience when you consume contaminated food or water. This type of infection shares similar symptoms with common stomach bugs, so it can be hard to know what you are suffering from on your own.

Our AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road team explains what to look for regarding a salmonella infection below, so read on.

How Did I Get Salmonella?

Salmonella bacteria can live in a variety of conditions. It most often is found in the intestinal tracts of animals, on raw fruits and vegetables, and in raw eggs. It can even be found in water sources if the water has been contaminated by the bacteria or by animal feces.

If you consume any of this food or drink, you will start to feel sick in a matter of hours or within a few days and the symptoms can last for up to a week. This is why it is so important to wash your produce and cook your meat and eggs to the recommended temperatures!

Salmonella Infection Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea
• Headache

How Long Will Salmonella Make Me Sick?

Most salmonella infections resolve on their own within about a week. While that may seem far away if you are in the middle of the worst of your symptoms, hang in there! Rest when you can, eat foods that are easy to digest and drink water throughout each day. Since diarrhea can cause symptoms of dehydration rather quickly, it is important to sip on water often.

The majority of salmonella infections are easily managed at home, but it is always important to keep an eye on your symptoms. Infants, children and adults with chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to severe infections, and sometimes the salmonella bacteria can travel beyond the intestines. If you start to feel worse instead of better after a few days, come see us for a full evaluation.

Signs You Should Visit a Doctor

• Symptoms last more than a few days
• You experience bloody stools
• You have a high-grade fever of 102 degrees or higher that won’t go away
• You are severely dehydrated

Stomach issues can be really frustrating. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Monroe Road for a diagnosis.