Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: E. coli kill
• Part 2 of 3: One E. coliinfection
• Part 3 of 3: Taking precautions

E. coli or Escherichia coli is a bacteria that is naturally present in the intestines. The bacteria is actually part of the normal intestinal flora; it is usually a harmless and even healthy bacteria; however, some strains can cause serious bacterial infections leading to diarrhea and possibly kidney failure. While there is no specific cure for the disease, there are measures you can take to prevent dehydration and relieve symptoms.

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Part 1 of 3: E. coli kill

1. Recognize the symptoms.E. coli mainly affects the digestive system in adults. It causes watery diarrhea, and in severe cases bloody diarrhea, which can lead to other complications such as kidney failure. Infections with E. coli are common when people travel to countries with worse hygiene than we are used to in the Netherlands. It is transferred via faecal material in food, water, etc. Symptoms of contamination with E. coli include:
   • Stomach ache
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Diarrhea
   • Fever
   • Stomach cramps
2. Do not take anti-diarrheal drugs and antibiotics. It is important to know that a E. coliinfection cannot be cured (the bacteria cannot be killed) with medicines such as antibiotics or diarrhea inhibitors. The treatment provided by medical experts is "supportive", which means that it consists of rest, sufficient drinking and medication to combat symptoms such as pain and nausea.
   • This does not make sense to many people, as they expect drugs to exist to treat a disease such as a disease E. coliinfection.
   • Diarrhea inhibitors are not good because they slow down the flow of bacteria and can make symptoms worse. It is best, even if counterintuitive, to just let the diarrhea go so that you can get rid of the infection as soon as possible.
   • Antibiotics are also not recommended - they have been shown to aggravate the disease because many toxins are released when the bacteria are killed, causing more damage in the gut.
3. Kill the bacteria with your own immune system. Because antibiotics are not advised with one E. coliinfection, your immune system will have to fight the infection itself. Fortunately, your immune system can do that very well, if you give it enough time and the right support. Rest, follow your doctor's instructions and let your immune system do its job!
   • Talk to your doctor about supportive measures you can take to get through the infection. It is important to stay well hydrated because you lose a lot of fluids when you are sick.

Part 2 of 3: One E. coliinfection

1. Peace. It may sound simple, but rest is the most important thing if you are fast from one E. coliinfection. Because traditional medical treatments cannot do much, rest is very important so that your body can spend all its energy fighting the infection using its own natural defense system.
   • Take time off from work or school. Not only is it important to take time off for your own recovery, but you also prevent infecting others. You will have to isolate yourself because E. coliinfections are very contagious, and you don't want to be on your conscience about infecting your entire school or office with this nasty bacteria.
   • Wash your hands regularly and stay away from others as much as possible as long as you are sick (which is usually no more than a week).
   • E. coli is transferred via faecal material, so wash your hands extra carefully after going to the bathroom.
2. Stay well hydrated. A E. coliinfection can cause severe diarrhea. That is why it is important to drink enough water and drinks with carbohydrates and electrolytes to replenish the fluids you lose from the diarrhea.
   • Dehydration is especially dangerous for very young or very old people. If a baby or elder is infected with it E. coli, consider taking him / her to the doctor.
3. Try O.R.S. O.R.S. (oral rehydrator) is a powder containing salts and electrolytes that the body needs. It is more effective than water alone in replenishing lost moisture. The powder can be mixed with some water and the liquid should be drunk within 24 hours. You can buy the powder online or at the drugstore and pharmacy.
   • You can also use O.R.S. by dissolving 4 tablespoons of sugar and a teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of water.
   • For more information, read this article.
   • Mix the powder with water that is safe to drink to prevent further contamination. Boil it first if necessary.
4. In case of severe dehydration, go to the hospital. There you will receive an IV of fluid to replenish the lost electrolytes and ions. If you can't keep fluid down at all due to vomiting, or if you have watery diarrhea more than four times a day, you should go to the hospital. If in doubt, it is better to call your doctor, who can assess whether you need an IV.
   • Electrolytes are substances that occur in your body and that support the normal functioning of the body.
   • If you have severe bloody diarrhea (caused by certain strains of E. coli you may need to have a blood transfusion. Your blood will be checked to determine your hemoglobin levels. This can be used to demonstrate how much blood needs to be replenished.
5. Take painkillers or medicines for the nausea. To relieve the symptoms, you can take paracetamol for the stomach ache. This can be obtained from the drugstore or pharmacy without a prescription. For the dosage, follow the directions on the package. You can also take an anti-nausea medicine such as Cyclizine.
6. Adjust your diet. When you start to feel a little better, start with foods that are low in fiber. Then you can let your digestion function normally again. If you eat too much fiber, your stool will continue to move through your intestines too quickly - and that's already the case in this condition anyway. You can start eating a little more fiber when the diarrhea is over and you are feeling a little better.
   • Don't drink alcohol and coffee yet. Alcohol changes your liver metabolism and is bad for your gastric mucosa. Caffeine makes diarrhea worse and it dehydrates you.

Part 3 of 3: Taking precautions

1. Take hygienic measures when preparing food. These concern the preparation and cooking of the food. Foods that are normally eaten raw (such as fruits and vegetables) should be washed well before eating them to avoid ingesting contaminated food.
   • Drinking water should be boiled as needed and in a clean place when it cools down. Water used in cooking must also be clean to prevent contamination.
2. Be careful in swimming pools. Swimming pools should be treated with chlorine and the water should be changed regularly. This is to prevent contamination so that it is safe to swim in it.
   • Swimming pools are contaminated with faecal residue more often than you think. That doesn't mean there will always be E. coli is in the pool water, but it is the right environment for the bacteria to spread.
   • When swimming in a pool, try not to swallow water. Always shower after swimming to reduce the risk of infection.
3. Wash your hands regularly. It is important to keep your hands clean at all times. E. coli is contagious and can be passed from one person to another through faecal material. Poor hygiene in the toilet can cause the bacteria to spread.
   • Wash your hands with warm water and soap. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
4. Cook or fry your food thoroughly. Make sure your food is fully cooked before you eat it. If it's undercooked, don't eat it - especially with beef. If you cook your food properly, you can be sure that there are no more microbes that you can ingest.
   • Use a food thermometer to make sure your food is cooked. Beef is done when it has an internal temperature of 71ºC.