"Weekend warrior" workouts may be as effective as daily exercise
Wash your hands after preparing or eating food, using the bathroom, or changing diapers.
Don't defrost meat on the counter. Instead, do so only in the refrigerator or in the microwave.
Make sure you cook all meat to a safe temperature. This can be done by using a meat thermometer. The ideal temperature for cooking ground meat is 160˚F (71˚C).
Always refrigerate your leftovers within two hours after cooking, to ensure they'll remain safe to eat.
Diarrheal illnesses are often highly contagious and can be easily transmitted. Therefore, don't cook when you have diarrhea.
Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (Mayo Clinic)
See also: Deadly diseases and infections with a 24-hour window
No vaccine or medication can protect you from E. coli infections. But there are ways to decrease your chance of exposure.
Although it's not clear why, E. coli infections are more likely to occur during the summer months.
Most healthy adults recover from E. coli within a week. However, some people in risk groups may develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.
People who have weakened immune systems are more likely to become ill from ingesting E. coli. This includes people with AIDS and those taking cancer-treating drugs.
Stomach acid offers some protection against E. coli. If you take medications to reduce stomach acid, you may increase your risk of an infection.
Those who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, have an increased risk of contracting an E. coli infection.
Riskier foods include undercooked hamburgers, unpasteurized milk, apple juice or cider, and soft cheeses made from raw milk.
Young children and older adults are at higher risk of experiencing illness caused by E. coli, including more serious complications.
E. coli can easily travel to others, especially when infected adults and children don't wash their hands properly. Nursing homes, schools, and childcare facilities are particularly vulnerable to person-to-person transmission.
E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed. But some people are more likely to develop problems than others.
Poor sanitation can lead to the presence of bacteria from human or animal waste in water. You may ingest E. coli from drinking or by swimming in contaminated water.
Runoff from cattle farms can contaminate fields where fresh produce is grown.
Unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, E. coli can cause an infection even if you ingest only small amounts. This means that one bite of an undercooked burger or swallowing contaminated water can infect you.
When cattle are slaughtered and processed, E. coli bacteria in their intestines can get on the meat. Ground beef combines meat from many different animals, which increases the risk of contamination.
The E. coli O157:H7 strain belongs to a group that produces a powerful toxin, which damages the lining of the small intestine. This can cause bloody diarrhea.
Make sure to contact a doctor if the diarrhea is persistent, severe, or bloody.
One of the most common symptoms is diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody. Individuals may also experience stomach pain or cramping, as well as nausea and vomiting.
Signs of E. coli infection usually begin three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. But you might become ill one day or one week after exposure.
Pregnant individuals are also particularly vulnerable to E. coli. It may provoke a premature birth, or even a miscarriage if it's a severe infection.
E. coli bacteria on a cow's udder or on milking equipment can get into raw milk.
Always keep raw meats away from other foods, and away from other clean items.
For reason's you now know, drink only pasteurized milk products.
But what causes the infection, and how can you prevent it? To learn more about E. coli infection, click on and check out the following slides.
Everything you need to know about E.coli infection
Here are the symptoms, causes, and prevention methods
HEALTH Outbreaks
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a group of bacteria that can cause infections in your gut (GI tract), urinary tract, and other parts of your body. Most types of E. coli are harmless, causing only mild symptoms. However, certain types can cause an intestinal infection, which can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening complications.
But what causes the infection, and how can you prevent it? To learn more about E. coli infection, click on and check out the following slides.