What exactly is foodborne illness?
It’s an infection caused by consumption of food that’s contaminated by certain pathogens. This can be bacteria, a virus, or even a parasite.
The most common foodborne illnesses include pathogens like norovirus, which is a virus, and salmonella, which is a bacteria. Other common examples are campylobacter, listeria, and staph aureus. These often occur during food processing or preparation of some foods. Think about undercooked meats, including seafood and other proteins and produce or other products from cross-contamination. Unpasteurized products, such as milk and soft cheeses, can also carry these pathogens that cause illness.
What are some of the most common symptoms people experience from these contaminations and why does the body respond this way?
These infections can trigger gastroenteritis and leads to symptoms of nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Depending on the pathogen, the symptom onset can vary. For instance, some can be pretty quick, within hours. Others may take days or even weeks.
Some pathogens have more unique symptoms, including neurologic symptoms.
Most of the time, these symptoms are short lived, but it does depend on the pathogen and making sure you stay hydrated, such as with oral rehydration solutions. Typically, symptoms self-resolve within a few days.
We’ve seen instances where foodborne illnesses have been deadly. At what point should a person seek out medical attention if they suspect they have food poisoning?
Monitor for signs of dehydration, including dry mucus membranes, decreased urination, lightheadedness, and not being able to hold down any oral intake. Dehydration along with other more severe symptoms, such as a high fever, severe abdominal pain or bleeding, should prompt medical attention.
For the most part, they’ll be given supportive care, meaning that we’ll make sure they stay hydrated. This might be in the form of oral hydration or an IV. In most cases we won’t administer antibiotics, and for some foodborne illnesses this may make symptoms worse.
Some people may also want to seek out help earlier, including children, older patients, and people with chronic conditions along with suppressed immune systems.
Pregnant patients should also keep a close eye on their symptoms and take measures to avoid infections, such as listeria.
Are there ways to avoid some of these illnesses?
Yes. The most important thing to remember is to store food properly, especially when it comes to leftovers. Avoid keeping items out at room temperature for longer than a couple of hours. Make sure all food is within the expiration date, cooked to the proper temperature using a thermometer, and handled appropriately. Cross contamination can happen, so keep your raw meats away from other foods.
Finally, remember to practice good hygiene when handling food and wash your hands. This can help prevent the spread of some illnesses like norovirus, which is highly contagious.
