Persistent vomiting and diarrhea Nausea Chills Fever Headache Blood in the stool Cold sweats
Dehydration, leading to decreased urine output, decreased tear production, dry mouth, and sunken eyes. If you are losing more fluids (through vomiting or diarrhea) than you’re taking in, see your doctor. Signs of a rare, advanced condition known as bacteremia, in which salmonella enters the bloodstream and infects body tissues in the brain, spinal cord, heart, or bone marrow. A sudden high fever, chills, rapid heart rate, and an appearance of serious illness are signs that this may be occurring. Most salmonella can be caught early before this occurs.
The doctor may also decide to test a blood sample to determine whether bacteremia has occurred. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the salmonella infection has spread beyond the digestive system. If dehydration becomes severe enough, the patient may need to be admitted to the hospital to take fluids intravenously (through an IV).
Try eating a popsicle, ice chips, or some sorbet as a way to get both water and sugar into your system. Drink plenty of water, especially after severe bouts of vomiting or diarrhea. Children can drink a rehydration solution like Pedialyte or a flat soda to restore fluids and electrolytes.
Stay away from foods that might aggravate your symptoms and make you feel worse, like dairy products or greasy fast food. Avoid foods that might reinfect you or make you sicker, like salads or sushi. Wait at least a few days after you’ve recovered so your immune system can bounce back.
You can also make your own heating pad by filling a sock with uncooked rice and warming it up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Salmonella is rarely contagious from person to person. [8] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source However, it’s still a good idea to take time off work or school for a few days for your own sake, especially if you’re still throwing up or having diarrhea.
Salmonella is most commonly found in animal products, but vegetables may also get contaminated. Be sure to wash all your vegetables before cooking them. Wash your hands and work surfaces after they come into contact with raw poultry, meat, or eggs.
Instruct older children to carefully wash their hands with soap and water after handling any animal, and explain that it is unsafe to kiss the animal or put their hands in their mouth after touching it. Adults or older children with weakened immune systems should also avoid touching these animals and things they’ve been in contact with.
