Dr. Eboni Green
July 29, 2022
Foodborne illnesses can occur at any time when someone is in your care. It’s an uncomfortable infection caused by raw meat or expired foods that many people overcome in a matter of days.
However, there are situations where foodborne illnesses can become a significant health risk to those who have complicated health conditions. So, let’s look at four things about listeria and what to know about helping others overcome listeria infections.
Listeria is a foodborne illness from unpasteurized milk products and improperly processed deli meats. While many infected with listeria can overcome it in a matter of days, it’s more serious for those who are pregnant or over 65.
Listeria has a higher risk of severe infection for seniors, newborns, and those with compromised immune systems. Thankfully, the use of antibiotics can help reduce the effects of listeria.
There are a few things to know about listeria, such as symptoms and causes. It’s essential to help those in your care get the necessary help they need to recover swiftly.
It’s vital to know the symptoms of listeria to be able to help someone with it. Some of the first signs of listeria are fever, chills, and severe headaches. Additionally, look out for vomiting and influenza-type symptoms.
Diarrhea can last one to four days, so ensure that the person in your care isn’t going more than 12 times a day to avoid dehydration. It can also spread to the nervous system, causing symptoms such as a stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions.
There are serious risk factors for pregnant women, newborns, and those over 65. Listeria can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, fatal infections, and premature births for expectant mothers.
It’s also a risk for those who have AIDS, diabetes, or kidney disease and those who receive chemotherapy or take certain medications. At its worst, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as blood or membrane infections and fluid retention around the brain.
As previously mentioned, listeria is a foodborne illness, meaning it comes from tainted or spoiled foods. Additionally, listeria bacteria can fester in animal feces, water, and soil. Listeria infections can be caused by contaminated meat, raw vegetables planted in contaminated manure, unpasteurized milk, and certain processed foods.
There are a few ways to avoid listeria infection for someone under your care. One of the first tips is ensuring everything is clean, including utensils, surfaces, cutting boards, and preparation areas. Additionally, wash your vegetables and cook your foods thoroughly to avoid the growth of bacteria.
Whether you work in a senior home or as a nurse in a hospital, ensure that you practice proper safety measures to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Try to keep everyone safe and practice good habits to provide quality health care.
