How Salmonella Works and What You Can Do About It Salmonella is a Cunning Little Germ.

However, many people are unaware that Salmonella is more than one thing. As a shape-shifter in the world of microbes, it can enter your system through common meals, cause strange problems, and even travel through your bloodstream to cause havoc that extends well beyond your gut.

Let us examine its spread, its effects on the body, and ways to prevent becoming its next victim.

Hold on, How Often Is This?

It is the leading cause of hospitalizations and fatalities from food poisoning. Therefore, it is not merely "a stomach bug"; rather, it is a significant issue.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, infectious disease specialist Dr. Elizabeth Hohmann has observed some quite peculiar behavior from Salmonella. For instance, one of her patients arrived with an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm, a scary enlargement of the biggest artery in the body. The culprit bacteria? That is right: Salmonella.

Dr. Hohmann explains, "It is just an interesting organism." "And it can be a little frightening."

In what ways does salmonella infiltrate your life?

While undercooked chicken is a common culprit, it is not the only issue here. Salmonella is present in:

Raw chicken that has been breaded (hello, Kiev and nuggets)

Yes, even in your "clean eating" salad, include organic basil.

Along with other fruits, cantaloupe

Ground beef

Nut butters

Uncooked cookie dough (unfortunately, yes)

Unpasteurized dairy products or milk

Flour—as you might expect?

Eggs

It is not only food, either. Salmonella outbreaks have even been connected to dry dog food, frogs, backyard poultry, and pet turtles. You might just touch anything infected and unintentionally bring the bacteria from your hands to your mouth; you do not even need to eat anything.

According to Dr. Hohmann, "it is an insect that lives in stool, animal excrement, and the environment." "Think of soil, machineries, kitchen sponges, and cutting boards—it thrives in damp, dirty places."

How Does an Infection with Salmonella Feel?

The majority of people suffer from gastroenteritis, which is simply stomach pain.

cramps in the stomach

diarrhea, occasionally with blood in it

Nausea

Vomiting

Fever

A college student who eats a dubious burrito, becomes ill for a weekend, and then resumes their life is an example of a mild instance. Others, however, may experience severe or protracted symptoms.

Warning indicators to contact your physician:

diarrhea that lasts more than three days

Over 102°F fever

Your stool contains blood.

Vomiting that prevents you from consuming liquids

How Is It Handled?

Rest and rehydration are the only treatments required for most people. Steer clear of anything overly heavy or spicy, and consider electrolyte drinks and brothy soups.

However, this is where things become complex: In more severe situations, antibiotics can be helpful, but they might also make a person more contagious for longer. To put it another way, the medication may reduce your symptoms, but it will leave the bacteria in your body longer, allowing you to infect others.

"It is a conundrum," says Dr. Hohmann. "Even if someone feels well, they could still spread it to others by working in the food service industry, having close contact, or practicing inadequate hygiene."

Who Is Riskiest for Severe Illness?

Although salmonellosis can infect everyone, certain individuals are more susceptible to complications:

Senior citizens (65+)

Youngsters under five

Women who are pregnant

Individuals with compromised immune systems (due to HIV, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications)

Rarely, Salmonella can completely bypass the gut and enter the circulation, where it can infect organs such as the brain, joints, bones, and urinary system.

Additionally, it can harm blood arteries or develop infected aneurysms in persons with existing cardiovascular issues, as it did with Dr. Hohmann's patient.

The Best Way to Beat This Slippery Germ

Salmonella is not invincible, despite its cunning. A few healthy behaviors can significantly lower your risk:

Clean

Particularly after handling raw meat, fruit, or eggs, thoroughly wash cutting boards, knives, and kitchen surfaces.

Use hot water and soap or run them through the dishwasher if possible.

Before and after cooking, after using the restroom, or after handling animals, wash your hands thoroughly.

Chill

Pasta salad and rotisserie chicken are breeding grounds for bacteria, so do not keep them out for too long.

Cook

A meat thermometer can be used. Ground beef should achieve 160°F, while poultry should reach 165°F.

Some chicken appears "done" before it is safe, so do not rely on color.

Conclusion: Show consideration for the bug

Although salmonella is not a cause for alarm, it should be taken seriously. It makes no difference if you eat organic or are health-conscious. It doesn’t need an invitation. But you can keep ahead of this cunning bacterium if you take a little more care in the kitchen and practice good handwashing.Because nobody wants to be surprised at the table with food poisoning.