(NewsNation) — One of the most common types of food poisoning is the Escherichia coli bacteria, commonly known as “E. coli” (pronounced “ee KOH-leye). We all have a bit of it in our systems. Most are harmless or might cause a bit of mild diarrhea and vomiting. Other strains, however, are not so benign.
Here’s what you need to know about where E. coli comes from, how it spreads, how it feels, what to do about it, and how to prevent it.
What’s the source of E. coli?
The danger of E. coli can come at any point in the process from when an animal or a plant is growing to being presented on your dinner plate. The bacteria can come from:
- Meat coming into contact with that animal’s intestines during processing.
- Soft cheeses made from raw milk.
- Human waste in water used in growing or shipping foods.
- Unsafe handling during transport or storage.
- Unsafe handling or preparation at stores, restaurants or homes.
- Personal contact (wash your hands!).
Unsafe handling? Tell me more!
- The cook didn’t wash their hands well.
- Unclean knives, cutting boards and other utensils.
- Foods with dairy or mayonnaise not kept cold.
- Raw fruits and vegetables not washed well.
- Undercooked meat or eggs
- Untreated water from a well or stream
Risk Factors – who’s more likely to get it?
- Young children and older adults
- People with weakened immune symptoms from AIDS, cancer drugs or organ transplant rejection medication
- Time of year (most U.S. cases happen from June to September)
- People taking medications to lower stomach acids.
What happens to my body when I get it?
- E. coli produces a powerful toxin that infects the lining of the small intestine
- It takes only a small amount to cause infection.
- The symptoms are not pretty: fatigue, slight fever, cramps, pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting and yes, diarrhea.
- Most symptoms are mild, but some can be severe.
- Rare cases cause a life-threatening form of kidney failure.
If I get E. coli, what do I do?
- Stay home and rest. Get lots of rest. That will be the easy part since you won’t feel like doing much.
- And you’ll be spending plenty of time in the bathroom.
- Monitor those symptoms. If the diarrhea doesn’t want to stop, it’s time to call your doctor.
Can I prevent E. coli?
- There is no vaccine or medication to prevent it. Not yet, anyway. Researchers are working on potential vaccines.
- Good hygiene is the best prevention.
- Don’t drink from lakes or pools.
- Watch out for cross-contamination, like putting cooked food on the board used to cut raw food.
- Avoid risky foods such as rare burgers and under-cooked eggs.
- Wash your hands.
Final thoughts
Preventing E. coli can also help prevent two other common types of food poisoning. Washing your fruits and vegs, and being careful with prepared food items like deli meats can keep you clear of listeria.
And the ultimate “spoiler:” no raw cookie dough or raw eggs! Raw flour can contain E. coli, and those raw eggs can be home to salmonella.
The information for this article came from several well-known sources, including:
- Mt. Sinai Hospital
- The University of California at Davis
- Mayo Clinic
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Cleveland Clinic