Foodborne illness can change your life
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EmailLearn about the long term consequences of foodborne illness.
When people think of a foodborne illness they think of a stomachache, cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. Sometimes it doesn’t end there. Rarely do we hear or see the long-term effects a foodborne illness can have on the body. There can be some serious complications that can become a part of your life. Foodborne illness can be as small as feeling like the flu, or it can be deadly.
Different types of foodborne illness effect each body in various ways. People have a greater risk of contracting foodborne illness if you have a compromised immune system, are very young or are older. Your symptoms and severity can be different depending on what virus, bacteria or toxin is contacted.
Kidney failure is a serious complication that can occur with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a possibility after contracting E. coli bacteria. The bacteria can cause an infection that can produce a toxin substance that may cause injury to the kidney. Arthritis and even meningitis are long term complications that can come from having certain foodborne illnesses.
Chronic arthritis can be brought on with an infection of Shigella or Salmonella or E. Coli. Symptoms start with eye irritation and painful urination. If this is not treated it can lead to chronic arthritis. This leads to a lifetime of inflammation and joint pain. Another foodborne illness that can contribute to chronic arthritis is Campylobacter. Listeria can cause cognitive impairment, seizures, paralysis, blindness and deafness in newborn infants. Pregnant women are recommended to avoid cold cuts, deli meats, raw milk cheeses made from raw milk and soft cheeses and some hard cheeses. Avoiding these items can help prevent exposure to Listeria. Always seek medical help if you suspect you have contracted a foodborne illness. MSU Extension has information about what to do if there is a food recall related to listeria.
With different types of bacteria, viruses and toxins that can occur from foodborne illness there are many other long-term effects that can take place. There can be brain and nerve damage or even death that can change the life of individuals. While people with low or compromised immune systems, infants or the very young and older adults can experience these effects with even more severity, everyone is vulnerable and can contract foodborne illness.
Michigan State University Extension recommends taking simple precautions by washing your hands often for at least 20 seconds under warm, running water. Keep hot foods hot, 135 degrees Fahrenheit or above. Keep cold foods cold, 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and when in doubt, throw it out. Do your part in keeping your food safe and free from foodborne pathogens.
