What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness or Infection?

By Andy Niska | August 24, 2017 |

Elderly Care in Cheney WA: Signs of Foodborne Illness

Sometimes referred to as “food poisoning”, foodborne illness and infection is a rather common affliction. In fact, more than 48 million people each year in the United States experience some form of foodborne infection. As a family caregiver, however, it is extremely important to understand that while this is a common illness, that does not mean that it is not potentially dangerous. More than 128,000 people end up hospitalized due to these infections each year, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that around 3,000 die. Elderly adults are at particular risk for both contracting foodborne illness and infection, and suffering severe consequences, even death, as a result of it. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of such an infection can enable you to give your loved one the care that they need to help them through this condition.

Some of the signs and symptoms of foodborne illness or infection include:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal cramps
Nausea
Fever
Joint aches
Back aches
Fatigue

Most cases of foodborne illness and infection have symptoms that last between 1 and 7 days and are rather mild, but uncomfortable and disruptive. In fact, many times when a person believes that they have a so-called “stomach flu”, they are actually dealing with the effects of a bacterial foodborne illness infection. The incubation period for foodborne illness, that is, the length of time between contracting the infection and actually showing symptoms of it can be anywhere between a few hours and a full week. This variance can make it more difficult to actually identify that the symptoms that a senior is facing are related to foodborne illness. It is important to note that these infections are not related just to spoiled food, out-of-date food, or food that has been contaminated with strains of serious illness, such as Listeria. Eating food that has been touched by or breathed on by a person who has been suffering from vomiting or diarrhea can also lead to such infections.

If you have been looking for ways that you can boost your parent’s quality of life, starting elderly care can be an exceptional choice. As a family caregiver you want to know that your parent is getting everything that they need to stay healthy, safe, comfortable, and happy as they age in place. A busy schedule, personal limitations and challenges, and even living at a distance can create care gaps that keep you from being able to give your senior the level of care that you feel that they deserve. An elderly home care services provider can step in to fill these care gaps in efficient, effective, and nurturing ways that are right for your elderly parent as an individual. These highly personalized services are specifically designed not just to address their personal needs, but also to encourage them to live a lifestyle that is independent, active, and fulfilling throughout their later years. This can include helping them to make good lifestyle choices, addressing personal challenges in a way that helps them to stay safer and healthier, and planning activities and outings that will stimulate their mind, support their mental and emotional health, and encourage engagement in the world around them.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Cheney, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Sources

https://www.foodsafety.gov/risk/olderadults/index.html

https://www.pewtrusts.org/~/media/assets/2014/11/seniorcitizensfoodbornediseases.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html

https://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/idepc/dtopics/foodborne/basics.html

Author
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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.