Food poisoning can happen to anyone but there is a special group of people according to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) data who are most likely to get it and the cause is their ineffective immune system due to multiple reasons. These people due to their low immunity may be prone to many diseases. Every year, around 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick, and among those 1,28000 are hospitalized, and 3000 die from these foodborne illnesses.
Food poisoning is caused by bacteria as well as microorganisms like viruses and protozoans. These bacteria and microorganisms contaminate the food that is to be consumed by people. Food poisoning can spread if the other food items are made with contaminated hands. Can also be spread through indirect contact (throughout the day one may touch many things with those contaminated hands).
Who are the people at higher risk of food poisoning?
People in these groups have low immune tendencies and are not much protected from external viruses. Let’s see who are these people :-
- Adults aged 65 years or more :- As people age their tendency to fight external viruses depletes too. Because of increased age, their immune system and organs are not able to recognize as well as get rid of harmful germs as they used to do it early in age. Almost half of the people aged 65 years and older have been hospitalized for lab-confirmed foodborne illnesses that are salmonella, campylobacter, listeria, or E.coli.
- Children younger than 5 years :- Children who are growing up still have their immune systems in developing states. At this tender age, their internal system is unable to fight the germs and sickness-causing viruses or bacteria. Food poisoning conditions can be more dangerous as they can lead to diarrhea as well as dehydration in these groups of children. Children below the age of 5 years are three times more likely to get admitted if infected from salmonella. Kidney failures is also found in 1 out of 7 children who are diagnosed with E.coli O157 infection.
- Weakened Immune system :- People who are suffering from any health condition can have weak immune system. Diabetes, liver or kidney disease, alcoholism, HIV/AIDS, ongoing chemotherapy, or radiation therapy are among thoes such conditions that weakens the immune system and makes the person prone to sickness and infection. For example, people who are going through dialysis have 50% more chances to get Listeria infection or sickness.
- Pregnant Women :- Pregenant women are in their vulnerable state during this period. They are more likely to get infection because they are unable to fight with germs. A example can be women getting listeria infection are 10 times more vulnerable to it.
Whatever the underying conditions are, one can check them with their doctor about possible foodborne illness. Medical professional are able to tell you the what type of the germ caused the food poisoning. Get in touch with a medical professional in Texas Specialty Clinic.
How can you know that you have food poisoning?
The symptoms of food poisoning can vary from mild to severe depending on which type of germ you have swallowed. Look for these below mentioned symptoms :
- Stomach cramps
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
After consuming contaminated food or drink you can develop these symptoms after few days. To prevent food poisoning in initial stage drink plenty of water as it won’t cause dehydration.
If you or your close ones fall under any category of the above-mentioned groups, you can simply follow these basic steps :
- Clean hands as well as surface
- Separate raw meat and poultry from readymade food
- Cook food at the right temperature and for the right amount of time
- Chill raw meat and poultry as well as leftovers on time (within 2 hours)
What are food poisoning causing germs?
Some of the common food poisoning causing germs can be- Salmonella, Norovirus, Clostridium perfringens, Comylobacter, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Vibrio, and Clostridium botulinum.
If you fall unconscious visit Texas Specialty Clinics immediately after that, our doctor will treat you better, book an appointment by dialing (469) 545-9983.