Salmonella is a bacterial that can create an infection in your gastrointestinal tract that can be quite uncomfortable. It lasts for up to 7 days and some people might call it “food poisoning” or the “stomach flu” when it occurs. Symptoms can start as soon as 12 hours after the bacteria is swallowed. A lucky few people don’t have any symptoms when infected.
1. Wash Your Hands
The easiest way to spread salmonella is to not wash your hands frequently. If handling foods like raw chicken where the bacteria may be present, it can be spread from person to person or onto other foods that weren’t previously contaminated. This is just one of the many reasons why you’ll see signs telling employees to wash their hands before returning to work.
2. Animals Carry It
If you pick up a duck or a chicken that’s alive for some reason, there’s a chance you could have salmonella transmitted to you. Pigs, dogs, cats, and even pet turtles have all tested positive for live salmonella and if someone doesn’t wash their hands after petting their dog who has been running around outside playing fetch, that bacteria could get into their food.
3. It Has 2 Types
There are two general types of salmonella bacteria. The foodborne illness version is the most common, but there is also one that can cause Typhoid fever. The initial symptoms of this second variety mimic the foodborne variety at first. In the second week of the infection, however, instead of getting better, a person will see their liver and spleen swell up. A rose rash occurs and other health issues may develop.
4. Cook Your Food
Proper cooking will eliminate salmonella bacteria. This is why it is recommended that people not eat foods that are raw or under cooked when it comes to eggs, animal proteins, and poultry. Microwaving these foods is not a reliable way of killing the bacteria and be especially careful when cooking eggs to make sure the yolks and whites are fully cooked.
Salmonella can make you very sick or it might not make you sick at all. Keep your hot foods hot, your cold foods cold, and remember to wash your hands after petting animals or handling raw foods. These proactive preventions are the best way to stop salmonella from spreading.
