E. Coli Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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One such troublemaker is E. coli, and among its many strains, E. coli O157:H7 stands out for its ability to cause severe health problems. E. coli O157:H7 causes intestinal infection when consumed, typically through contaminated food or water. If you've ever wondered how this infection happens and what to do about it, then read on as we dive into the details.

What Is E. Coli?

Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of both animals and humans. While most strains don’t cause any harm, some can cause serious illness. These harmful strains produce toxins that can damage the lining of your intestines, leading to rather unpleasant symptoms.

E. coli bacteria
E. coli bacteria

What Causes E. Coli Infection?

There are many different ways you can get an E. coli infection. Some of the most common sources include:

  • Undercooked meat – Think burgers that are pink in the middle.
  • Raw produce – Leafy greens like spinach and romaine lettuce are some of the most common culprits.
  • Unpasteurized products – Drinking raw milk or juice can introduce harmful bacteria.
  • Contaminated water – Whether it's a swim in a lake or drinking untreated water, consuming unclean water can be risky.
  • Poor hygiene – If someone doesn't wash their hands after using the restroom, they can spread the bacteria to surfaces

What Are the Symptoms of E. Coli Infections?

Some of the most common symptoms of an E. coli infection include:

  • Stomach cramps that feel sharp or persistent.
  • Diarrhea, which is often bloody and can be quite intense.
  • Nausea and vomiting that leave you feeling drained.
  • A possible low-grade fever, though this is very rare.

How Is E. Coli Treated?

Most E. coli infections resolve on their own, but there are things you can do to help your body fight off the infection faster. These include:

Staying Hydrated

One of the biggest risks with E. coli is dehydration, especially if you're dealing with diarrhea. You'll want to drink plenty of fluids to replace what you're losing. You should also drink electrolyte solutions like Gatorade or Pedialyte to replace important minerals like sodium and potassium that your body needs.

Getting Some Rest

It's very normal to feel fatigued when you have an E. coli infection. That's because your body uses lots of energy to fight the bacteria. Therefore, you want to make sure that you're getting plenty of rest during this time. Don't push yourself to get back to work too soon. Instead, you should listen to your body. It'll tell you when it's ready to get back to normal.

Seeking Medical Help If Needed

For most people, E. coli just runs its course, but if you're not feeling better after a few days, or if you start seeing blood in your stool, you should definitely see a doctor. Your doctor will likely prescribe some antibiotics to help your body fight off the infection.

Know When to Get Emergency Care

If you're feeling extremely weak, your urine output drops, or you start noticing unusual symptoms like swelling or easy bruising, don't wait. Instead, you should seek medical attention immediately. This could be a sign of a serious complication of E. coli called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which affects your kidneys.

How Can You Protect Yourself From an E. Coli Infection?

To protect yourself from an E. coli infection, you should be cautious with your food, water, and hygiene.

Cook Your Meat Thoroughly

You should ensure your meat, especially ground beef, is well-cooked before eating. The best way to check if it's ready to eat is by using a meat thermometer. Ground beef should reach at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure harmful bacteria are eliminated. If you’re grilling, make sure there’s no pink in the middle of your meat.

Wash Your Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables sometimes have E. coli. So you should always wash them thoroughly before eating. Even if they look clean, they may still contain harmful bacteria on the surface, especially if they were grown in or near contaminated soil or water.

Practice Good Hand Hygiene

Practicing good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid E. coli infection. Your hands can pick up bacteria from many surfaces throughout the day, and if you don't wash them properly, you risk transferring those germs to your food, mouth, or other people.

Be Careful Around Water Sources

If you're swimming in a lake, river, or even a pool, try not to swallow the water. Contaminated water can be a source of E. coli. You should also make sure your drinking water is treated and safe for consumption.

Protect Yourself From an E. Coli Infection.

E. coli infections are quite common, but you can always protect yourself by understanding their causes, symptoms, and treatment. To be safe, you should always drink clean water, wash your vegetables well, and ensure your meats are well-cooked before eating. If you suspect that you've been infected, you should seek medical help immediately.

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Susan Melony

Susan is an avid writer, traveler, and overall enthusiast

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