7 Stomach Germs You Need to Avoid
These days, infections have become all the
more common. One form of infection comes from a group of bacteria that
are found in a variety of food and animal feces. It is therefore
important to understand what these germs are and what they do, and most
of all - how to avoid them!
1. E. Coli
The E. Coli germ lives in the colon of
people and animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. The bacteria is not
usually harmful, in fact, it is required for the routine activities of
the digestive system. However, there is usually cause for concern when
coming into contact with feces, as a risk of infection may arise. The
bacteria usually travels through uncooked meat, polluted water, and
unpasteurized dairy products.
Symptoms of infection from E Coli include severe diarrhea, stomach
aches, and vomiting which can last between 5 to 10 days. Moreover, E
Coli bacteria may cause urinary infections, with women being especially
susceptible.
Although the vast majority of E Coli bacteria aren't deadly, there are
strands which can cause blood in diarrhea, kidney malfunction and even
death.
To avoid infection, be sure to properly cook your meat, wash fruit and
vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking them, and avoid drinking
unpasteurized milk and juice. Make sure to clean your hands well after
going to the restroom, and thoroughly clean kitchenware and work
surfaces that came in contact with uncooked meat.
2. Campylobacter
Campylobacter jejuni is a species of bacteria commonly found in animal
feces. It is one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in
the world. Food poisoning caused by Campylobacter species can be
severely debilitating but is rarely life-threatening.
C. jejuni is commonly associated with poultry, and it naturally
colonizes the digestive tract of many bird species. One study found that
30% of European starlings in farm settings in Oxfordshire, United
Kingdom, were carriers of C. jejuni. This bacteria is also common in
cattle.
Avoid contaminated drinking water and unpasteurized milk. Contaminated
food is a major source of infections too. Incorrectly prepared meat and
poultry are the primary sources of the bacteria. A serious infection is
caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The disease
primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune
systems, and the elderly.
3. Listeria
Listeria germs are found in soil and in water, and so can appear on raw
foods such as fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish, as well as
unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, this species can
also grow and spread in the relatively low temperatures found in a
fridge.
Most Listeria bacteria are handled by the immune system before they can
cause infection, but some 'get away' and cause listeriosis.
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, shivers, headaches, and vomiting.
People at high risk of a listeria infection are pregnant women and
their fetuses, adults over 50 and people who have a weak immune system.
Listeriosis may not affect a lot of people - research suggests that
every year it affects about 1,600 people globally. However, out of those
1600, 260 die.
To avoid infection, rinse vegetables and fruit well before eating, and
clean any spills in the kitchen, especially from raw meat.
4. Vibrio
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus germs live in salt water, and are often found in
uncooked seafood. They may cause food poisoning which will cause watery
diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and shivers. Severe
cases will cause blood and mucus to appear in the feces.
People who eat fish and uncooked seafood may be infected within 24
hours, with the symptoms lasting 3-5 days. Severe infections are rare,
but people with a weak immune system are at high risk.
These infections can usually be avoided by thoroughly cooking fish and
seafood.
5. Toxoplasma
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention),
millions of people around the world carry the Toxoplasma gondii
parasite. However, only a few of us suffer from any symptoms, due to a
robust immune system. That said, there are people who develop
toxoplasmosis and may develop a severe infection.
The symptoms, like those of the flu, might be weakness, fever, muscle
pain and enlarged lymph nodes. People at risk include pregnant women and
those with a weak immune system. The parasite can cause severe diseases
which may harm the brain, eyes, liver, and lungs.
The toxoplasma gondii bacteria is found in a large variety of animals,
but it can only breed in the stomach of a cat. Cats usually catch the
parasite by eating raw meat, unwashed vegetables or contact with other
cat feces which contain the eggs of the parasite.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends cooking your food safely and
avoiding low heats. Be sure to wash your hands while handling raw food,
and to avoid unclean water and cat feces.
6. Salmonella
Salmonella is a group of bacteria usually found in uncooked poultry,
eggs, beef and sometimes unwashed fruit and vegetables. Touching food or
animals that have been in contact with the bacteria might cause
inflammation in your digestive system. This inflammation is called
salmonellosis and its symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and
headaches which can last between 4 to 7 days.
Most people heal without treatment, but for the elderly, babies and
people with chronic diseases, Salmonellosis can spread in the blood,
with deadly results.
To avoid infection, avoid eating uncooked eggs, meat and poultry not
fully cooked, and keep your raw meat separate from cooked meat. Also,
wash everything that comes into contact with uncooked foods.
7. Norovirus
This virus can harm the stomach and bowels, and is often called 'stomach
flu'. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or beverages,
but can also be spread by touching surfaces or other people carrying
it.
The virus can cause an inflammation of the bowels (gastritis). The
symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting,
diarrhea and fever that tend to last a few days. Most people overcome
the disease, but it's important to drink enough fluids to replace what
you lost.
To avoid infection, always clean your hands with soap after handling
foods, and disinfect work surfaces in the kitchen and restroom.