E. Coli Treatment

Antibiotics are rarely prescribed for an E. coli infection. Ultimately, you should wait for your body to clear the infection while managing your symptoms with rest and fluid intake. Common methods used to relieve symptoms of E. coli include:

- Drink fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting will dehydrate you. To avoid feeling worse, drink plenty of water and diluted fruit juices. You may choose to supplement your water intake with electrolyte beverages or powders to further maintain hydration.

- Rest. Your body needs the energy to fight the infection and recover. Avoid strenuous activities until symptoms begin to go away.

- Avoid certain foods. Fatty foods, dairy products, and high fiber foods may make you feel worse. Eat a diet of easily digestible foods such as crackers, applesauce, and white rice. Wait until symptoms begin to improve before you reintroduce your regular diet.

There are a number of things you can do in your daily life to prevent an E. coli infection. These include:

- Wash your hands. Wash your hands using soap and warm water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or prior to handling food. E. coli can live on your hands, so practicing good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of the bacteria.

- Clean your produce. Produce, especially leafy greens, can carry the E. coli bacteria. Before preparing your food, or after you bring it home from the store, thoroughly wash your produce to prevent contamination.

- Cook your meat. Meat can brown before it is thoroughly cooked. To prevent contamination, make sure that you cook meat to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point of the cut. Avoid putting produce or cooked meat on a plate or cutting board you used for raw meat. E. coli can contaminate surfaces, so thoroughly wash and disinfect your kitchen surfaces (cutting boards, plates, etc.) and utensils after use.