Sep 12, 2024 | Healthy Living

Feeling unwell after eating deli meat? Our urgent care near you can provide immediate care for listeria symptoms. Visit 7 days a week.

In Mooresville, food safety is something we all need to be cautious about. Whether you’re grabbing lunch from a local deli or enjoying a picnic at Lake Norman, it’s important to be mindful of foodborne illnesses like listeria that can affect your health.

Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium that can cause the serious infection listeriosis, is a stealthy threat lurking in our food supply. This bacterium is particularly dangerous because it can thrive in refrigerated environments, making it a common contaminant in ready-to-eat foods. The recent listeria outbreak linked to Boar’s Head deli meats has highlighted the importance of understanding this illness and seeking prompt medical attention.

What Are Listeria Symptoms to Look Out For?

While symptoms of listeriosis can vary, common signs include:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

In severe cases, listeriosis can lead to complications such as meningitis, a potentially life-threatening infection of the brain and spinal cord.

Who Are Considered Most At-Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing listeriosis, including:

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• Adults with weakened immune systems
• The elderly

The Role of Urgent Care in Treating Listeriosis

If you suspect you or someone you know may have listeriosis, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Our urgent care clinic is equipped to help treat your listeriosis symptoms, helping to prevent serious complications.

• Rapid Diagnosis: Urgent care providers can conduct tests to diagnose listeriosis, such as blood panels.
• Prompt Treatment: Once diagnosed, urgent care centers can prescribe appropriate antibiotics to treat listeriosis.
• Management of Complications: If listeriosis leads to complications, urgent care centers can provide supportive care and refer patients to specialists as needed.

How Do I Prevent Getting Listeria?

To reduce your risk of listeriosis, follow these food safety guidelines:

• Cook foods thoroughly: Ensure that meats are cooked to their recommended internal temperature.
• Practice proper hygiene: Wash your hands, utensils, and cutting boards with hot soapy water after handling raw meat or poultry.
• Refrigerate perishable foods promptly: Store leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products: These products may contain harmful bacteria, including listeria.

When Should I Visit AFC Mooresville?

If you experience symptoms of listeriosis, especially if you are at a higher risk for the infection, it’s important to seek urgent care help from our certified team of providers. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious complications.

Listeria is a stealthy threat that can have serious consequences, but with prompt medical attention, it can be effectively treated. Our urgent care clinic can diagnose and treat listeriosis, helping to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. By understanding the risks of listeria and taking steps to prevent infection, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially dangerous bacterium.