Although nausea is the most common symptom of salmonella poisoning, there are a number of other ailments that may cause the same symptom. If you are vomiting, you will need to rehydrate, but avoid drinking water immediately after vomiting. This may promote more vomiting. Wait until you no longer feel nauseous to drink water. Just take small sips of water if you need to or suck on ice chips in the meantime. [3] X Research source
Like vomiting, diarrhea can dehydrate you. Dehydration can cause other medical issues or limit your body’s ability to recover from salmonella poisoning, so it’s important to stay hydrated. Having blood in your stool is also a common symptom of salmonella that may present itself in conjunction with diarrhea.
There is often a headache that coincides with salmonella poisoning, especially among those with a fever. Fevers can be worsened by dehydration, as your body’s ability to regulate your temperature is limited when you don’t have enough fluid in your body.
If your fever exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), seek immediate medical care. If you become dehydrated as a result of vomiting or diarrhea, and cannot tolerate taking liquids in, then you may need to be hospitalized to receive IV fluids.
Drinking plenty of water and other fluids such as Gatorade, fruit punch and flat soda can help you recover from salmonella poisoning faster. If you are unable to keep fluids down, you may need to be hospitalized to receive IV fluids.
For many people, salmonella passes within a few days without the need to be prescribed any anti-diarrhea medication.
Vomiting may be in your best interest in the first day of salmonella poisoning as it allows your body to get rid of any contaminated foods still in your stomach. These medications will not speed up your recovery, but instead make your condition more manageable while you recover.
Your symptoms persist for longer than a few days, you may need antibiotics to combat the bacteria. You begin to experience eye irritation, painful urination or joint pain. Your fever reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
If the salmonella poisoning enters the bloodstream of an otherwise healthy patient, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to assist in combating the illness as well. Studies have demonstrated that because of an increasing resistance to the traditional antibiotics used to treat salmonella, the bacteria are sometimes found in greater numbers in the stool of those prescribed them for longer than those who are not. [12] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Get plenty of sleep, and try to relax while awake during your recovery from salmonella poisoning. Sleep deficiency has been proven to limit a body’s ability to defend against bacterial or viral infections.
Be wary of foods that may contain raw eggs such as homemade salad dressings, cookie dough or ice creams. Make sure the meats you eat are cooked thoroughly and have no pink coloration.
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly regularly throughout your day. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, cleaning up pet feces, or coming into contact with birds or lizards to limit your chances of contracting salmonella poisoning.
Do not place cooked foods back on to plates that once held raw foods. Do not use the same utensils while handling already cooked foods and raw foods.
Unpasteurized milk offers a level of risk very similar to that of eating raw meat.
You can find a comprehensive list of food recalls by the FDA here: https://www. fda. gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts Most companies also publish press releases on their websites if they need to recall some of their products. You can check with specific companies if you’re concerned about food you don’t find on the FDA’s list.
Wash your hands regularly and especially after using the bathroom. . Do not handle the food of others while infected with salmonella. Do not share glasses or utensils with others while infected with salmonella. Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough.