Q: What are the symptoms and treatment?
Q: What are the symptoms and treatment?
A:People infected with E. coli can have a wide range of symptoms. Some do not get sick at all, though they can still spread the infection to others. Others feel as though they have a bad case of upset stomach. Still others become seriously ill and must be hospitalized.
The following symptoms can appear within one to ten days after contact with the bacteria:
- severe stomach cramps
- watery or bloody diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- headache
- little or no fever
Most symptoms clear up within five to ten days. But some people who are infected with E. coli develop life-threatening symptoms, including kidney failure, seizures and stroke. While most will recover completely, others may suffer permanent health effects, like kidney damage, and some may die.
Although anyone can get an E. coli infection, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, young children and older adults are most at risk for developing serious complications.
There is no real treatment for E. coli infections, other than monitoring the illness, providing comfort, and preventing dehydration through proper hydration and nutrition. People who develop complications may need further treatment, like dialysis for kidney failure. You should contact your health care provider if symptoms persist.
