A salmonella infection is a form of food poisoning that affects your intestinal tract. It can cause some really unpleasant symptoms and make you feel really sick for a few days.

Salmonella infections happen when you ingest contaminated food or water. This type of illness shares similar symptoms with common stomach bugs, so it can be hard to tell what you are suffering from initially.

If you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, check out our latest blog all about salmonella below, brought to you by our AFC Urgent Care Hickory team.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella is actually the name of the bacteria that infects you. It is often found in animal products, on raw fruits or vegetables and eggs. It can even be found in water! This happens because salmonella lives in animal feces, and if the food you eat has been compromised or contaminated, you will start to feel sick anywhere between eight and 72 hours after eating.

The best way to avoid a salmonella infection is to keep your food prep area as clean as possible and to only buy your food from stores and companies that you trust. In addition, you should also always follow the guidelines for internal temperature when cooking your meats.

Symptoms Caused By Salmonella

• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Nausea
• Headache

How Long Will I Be Sick From Salmonella?

When you are sick, knowing what to expect can help you weather even the most unpleasant of symptoms. Thankfully, most salmonella infections don’t require medical intervention and will eventually go away on their own within about a week. In the meantime, get a lot of rest, eat bland foods and stay hydrated.

Since diarrhea is a common symptom of a salmonella infection, it can be really easy to get dehydrated if you don’t prioritize sipping on water. Keep an eye on your symptoms and always come see us if you don’t feel better after a week or if your symptoms get worse. Worsening symptoms could indicate another issue or a worsening infection.

When a Doctor’s Visit Is Necessary

• Your 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 Hickory for a diagnosis.