Salmonella Infection

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Salmonella (sal-mo-NEL-ah) infection, also called salmonellosis, is an infection that affects the lining of the small intestine (bowel). Salmonellosis is a common gastrointestinal (digestive) infection caused by a bacteria (germ) called Salmonella. Salmonella bacteria enter the small intestine and inflame (swell) its lining causing diarrhea (loose bowel movements). The small intestine is a part of the digestive system where food is broken down. It is the tube that runs from the stomach to the colon (large intestine). Salmonella infection usually lasts for 4 to 7 days and gets better even without treatment.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms may include fever, vomiting (throwing up), nausea, or crampy abdominal (stomach) pain. You may also get dehydrated (lose too much fluid) due to vomiting and diarrhea. Blood or stool (bowel movement) tests may be done to check if you have a salmonella infection. Treatment, such as using rehydrating solutions, aims to replace the fluid that was lost to prevent dehydration. Your caregiver may also suggest that you take antibiotic medicine to kill the germs. A salmonella infection may be prevented by drinking only clean water, cooking food thoroughly, and frequent hand washing. With treatment, such as medicines and fluids, you may fully recover and resume normal activities.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods from all the food groups every day. Include whole grain bread, cereal, rice and pasta. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including dark green and orange vegetables and legumes (dry beans). Include dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese. Choose protein sources such as lean meat and poultry (chicken), fish, beans, eggs and nuts. Ask your caregiver how many servings of fats, oils, and sweets you may have each day, and if you need to be on a special diet.

Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Drink even more liquids if you will be outdoors in the sun for a long time. You should also drink more liquids if you are exercising. Try to drink enough liquid each day, and not just when you feel thirsty. The best liquids to drink have water, sugar, and salt in them. These liquids help your body hold in fluid and help prevent dehydration. Ask your caregiver what liquids are best to drink if you are on a low salt or low sugar diet.

• Drink oral rehydrating solutions (ORS). An ORS has the right amounts of water, salts, and sugar needed to replace lost body fluids. Ask your caregiver about how to make an ORS at home. You may also buy ORS in pharmacies.
  
  

Preventing the spread of salmonella infection: The following are ways to prevent the spread of a salmonella infection:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water. Always wash after using the toilet, after handling animals, and before preparing or serving food. Germ-killing hand lotion or gel may be used to clean your hands when there is no water available.
  
  
• Avoid sharing eating or drinking utensils.
  
  
• Cook food, especially chicken, meat, and eggs, thoroughly. All surfaces and utensils that have come into contact with raw chicken must be carefully cleaned. This may prevent salmonella from contaminating other foods.
  
  
• Discard used diapers properly.
  
  
• Do not eat raw food or food that has not been washed thoroughly. Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water and peel them before eating.

For more information: Contact the following for more information about salmonella infection:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
  
  
• You have worsening diarrhea.
  
  
• You have a problem eating or drinking.
  
  
• Your symptoms do not improve or are getting worse.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your infection, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have abdominal (stomach) pain that gets worse or does not go away.
  
  
• Your abdomen is tender and hard, or feels swollen.
  
  
• You have black-colored or bright red stools.
  
  
• Your stool or vomit (throw-up) has blood in it.
  
  
• You have any of the following signs of dehydration:
  
  
  • Dizziness or weakness.
    
    
  • Dry mouth, cracked lips, or feeling very thirsty.
    
    
  • Fast heartbeat or breathing.
    
    
  • You are more irritable than normal.
    
    
  • You are passing little to no urine.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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