Many people may not know about E. coli but after tangling just once with these common bacteria, they will never forget it! Formally known as Escherichia coli, E. coli can be found in both humans and pets. The primary way to transmit this intestinal boggling infection is through contaminated food and water. Most strains just make you sick for several days but the 0157:H7 strain is the deadliest because it produces a toxic effect in your body. This strain is rare luckily.

Ways that E. coli Finds Its Way to Our Intestines

People who do not wash their hands properly lay be infected with E. coli and pass it along during food preparation at home, in restaurants and elsewhere. In addition, because E. coli is often found in feces, anywhere there is excrement, there is the potential for an E. coli infection.

Untreated sewage, contaminated water in pools, wells, irrigation and drinking water supplies are can have E. coli. Fruits and vegetables irrigated with contaminated water can transmit to you if you do not wash them thoroughly before eating. In addition, raw, unpasteurized dairy is a no-no as is eating raw meat. You should always cook your meat until you see no pink.

Be sure that you do not cross contaminate your food. That means do not put your cooked meat or other foods on plates or cutting boards that have held raw meat. Make use of a meat thermometer so that you always know when the meat has cooked enough to avoid illness due to E. coli. When traveling, especially overseas, always drink bottled water and check to make sure that the seal on the bottle is not broken before you buy it.

Symptoms and Treatment of E. coli

The people who are most likely infected with E. coli are the very young and the very old. Both groups do not have a top notch immune system because the young is still developing and the old is simply failing due to age. In addition, those with compromised immune systems like cancer patients or transplant recipients are at the most risk.

Symptoms are generally similar to what you might refer to as the stomach flu. Diarrhea is the main problem and many times there is bloody show in it. Stomach pain, cramps and fever are also possibilities with E. coli. Some people may experience kidney failure due to E. coli and if not treated at once, high blood pressure, paralysis, blindness and death could occur.

Treatment consists of taking care of the symptoms. There is really no treatment to be had as many E. coli infections quickly run their course. Dehydration is the biggest concern so make sure that you eat plenty of soup and drink your fluids! There may be times when you might need electrolytes to restore the salt balance in your body too. Anti-diarrhea medications are discouraged and antibiotics will not really help. In fact, when you are vulnerable with E. coli, antibiotics can actually prolong the diarrhea stage.

Practice food safety and proper hand washing hygiene. These are the main two things that will keep you healthy.