Salmonella Infection

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Español

A salmonella infection develops when salmonella bacteria reach your intestines.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You have severe abdominal pain.
• Your abdomen is tender and hard, or feels swollen.
• You have black or bright red bowel movements.
• You see blood in your vomit.
• You are urinating less or not at all.
• Your heart is beating faster than usual.
• You are breathing faster than usual.

Call your doctor if:

• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• Your diarrhea or vomiting gets worse.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Medicines:

• Antibiotics may be given if your immune system is too weak to fight the infection.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Drink liquids as directed:

Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may also need to drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS contains a balance of water, salt, and sugar to replace body fluids.

Prevent the spread of salmonella:

The bacteria spread through direct contact. You can become infected when you eat or drink food that is contaminated. Foods become contaminated through improper handling, cooking, or storage. Salmonella also spread when an infected person does not wash his or her hands after he or she has a bowel movement or changes a diaper. Do the following to help prevent the spread of salmonella:

• Cook food all the way through. Cook eggs until the yolks are firm. Use a meat thermometer to make sure meat is heated to a temperature that will kill bacteria. Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry, seafood, or meat.
• Clean thoroughly. Wash your hands in warm, soapy water for 20 seconds before and after you handle food. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom or change a diaper. Rinse fruits and vegetables in running water. Clean cutting boards, knives, countertops, and other areas where you prepare food before and after you cook. Wash sponges and dishtowels weekly in hot water.
• Store food properly. Refrigerate or freeze fruits and vegetables, cooked foods, and leftovers. Keep your refrigerator at 40°F (4°C) or lower and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C).
• Separate raw and cooked foods. Keep raw meat and its juices away from other foods to prevent the spread of bacteria. Always put cooked food on a clean platter. Never use a platter that held raw poultry, seafood, or meat without washing it first.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

© Copyright Merative 2024 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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer