9 Early E. coli warning signs without realizing it

 

 It is known that E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in your intestines. It’s also found in the gut of some animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless and even help keep your digestive tract healthy. But some strains can cause diarrhea if you eat contaminated food or drink polluted water.

E. coli can be spread from person-to-person and can contaminate food. It usually spreads when people accidentally consume invisible amounts of human or animal feces. The feces can be found on foods. It can also be left behind on surfaces after someone didn't thoroughly wash their hands. E. coli exposure can also happen through animal contact, where animals can carry the bacteria on their skin, fur or feathers.

Most E. coli strains do not cause disease, naturally living in the gut, but virulent strains can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, neonatal meningitis, hemorrhagic colitis, and Crohn's disease. However, healthy individuals of all ages are at risk to the severe consequences that may arise as a result of being infected with E. coli.

Early E. coli warning signs:

Symptoms of E. coli typically start appearing 3 to 4 days after eating or drinking something with the bacteria. However, symptoms can appear 1 to 10 days after you're exposed. Common symptoms of E. coli include:

- Diarrhea that can be bloody or watery.

- Abdominal cramps.

- Constant fatigue.

- Loss of appetite.

- Nausea.

- Fever that's typically under 101° F

- Signs of dehydration.

- Pale skin.

- Cloudy, foul-smelling pee.

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How can you avoid getting E. coli:

You can reduce your risk of E. coli infection by following best practices for food handling and cooking. It's also important to have good personal hygiene. Recommendations include:

- Wash your hands well after using the bathroom, changing diapers, preparing food, or eating.

- Wash your hands after touching animals or their environment (such as at farms, petting zoos, or at home with your own pets).

- Cook meat thoroughly to 160° F and use a food thermometer.

- Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized juices and dairy products.

- Thoroughly clean all cooking utensils and food preparation surfaces.

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These habits can also help protect you against other bacteria, such as listeria. Listeria can contaminate food and can live in a long time in the environment and food. It's often found in dairy products, deli items, fruits and vegetables.

It’s important to rest and get plenty of fluids to replace what your body is losing through vomiting or diarrhea.