Salmonella infection

How can you avoid getting infected with salmonella?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water:

before preparing and eating food
after handling raw food
after going to the toilet or changing a baby's nappy
after contact with pets and other animals, especially reptiles and amphibians
after working in the garden

Also:

keep cooked food away from raw food
store raw foods below cooked or ready-to-eat foods in the fridge to prevent contamination
wash raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
cook food thoroughly, especially meat, so that it is piping hot
keep all kitchen surfaces and equipment including knives, chopping boards and dish cloths clean
do not drink untreated water from lakes, rivers or streams
do not keep reptiles or amphibians in households where there is a child under 5 year of age, or someone with a weakened immune system

If someone has salmonella, wash all dirty clothes, bedding and towels in the washing machine on the hottest cycle possible.

Clean toilet seats, toilet bowls, flush handles, taps and wash hand basins after use with detergent and hot water, followed by a household disinfectant.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for salmonella infection

Introduction

NHS Choices information on salmonella infection, with links to other useful resources

What are the symptoms and how long do they last?

Symptoms include diarrhoea , stomach cramps and sometimes vomiting and fever. On average, it takes from 12 to 72 hours for the symptoms to develop after swallowing an infectious dose of salmonella.

Anyone can get salmonella, but young children, the elderly and people who have immune systems that are not working properly (including people with cancer, AIDS or alcoholism) have a greater risk of be

How do you get infected with salmonella?

You usually get salmonella by eating contaminated food. Salmonella bacteria live in the gut of many farm animals and can affect meat, eggs, poultry and milk. Other foods like green vegetables, fruit a

How can you avoid getting infected with salmonella?

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water: before preparing and eating food after handling raw food after going to the toilet or changing a baby's nappy after contact with pets and othe

How do you treat salmonella?

It is important to drink plenty of fluids as diarrhoea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and you can lose important sugars and minerals from your body. Your doctor may recommend a rehydration soluti

Do you need to stay off work or school?

Yes. While you are ill and have symptoms, you are infectious. Children and adults should stay away from nursery, school or work for 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped. You should tell your empl

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