Food Poisoning Increases During Summer
At the moment when the summer is in full swing, having a get together around the pool becomes fun, close to the barbecue or at the picnic to fully enjoy the holiday. But if care is not taken, this moment of joy can sometimes involve nonchalant attitude which can expose us to food poisoning.
A lot of individuals keep unpleasant memories after food poisoning. Although it usually does not pose a threat to life, food poisoning can lead to the development of severe symptoms and, in so many uncommon cases – just a few results in death. Mostly it occurrence is attributed to taking foods or water which are found to have been contaminated by certain germs or their toxins.
The occurrence of food poisoning is not restricted to some group of people. But some individuals are at higher risks of having to battle with its shortcomings or complications, below are some categories of people:
- Little kids
- Elderly people
- Pregnant women
- A person whose immune system is impaired, especially due to illness, certain condition or treatment with drugs;
Summer meals that can put you at higher risk:
- Burgers
- Sprouts
- Caesar dressing
- Leafy green salads
- Oysters
- Homemade ice cream
- Melons
- Chicken
- Tomatoes
- Deviled Eggs
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Below are some of the noticeable signs to look after as disclosed by the American Academy of Family Physicians;
1. Pain in the abdomen
Severe pains in the abdomen which is not necessarily the same as nausea can be a sign of food poisoning.
2. Nausea
Stomach ache could be a sign of other conditions, such as flu, but it can also indicate that something you have eaten is contaminated.
3. Vomiting
Eating something, a feeling of nausea and vomiting is a common sign of food poisoning.
4. Loss of appetite
Are not you hungry, although you have not eaten much lately? It can mean something is wrong.
5. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another gastrointestinal problem; diarrhea is very common in food poisoning.
What are the ways to avoid poison this summer?
Harmful organisms strive well in hot summer weather, below are some of the useful tips that can keep you safe from getting sick:
1. Wash your hands
Before and after laying your hand on food especially raw meat, eggs, and fresh produce, ensure that they are washed thoroughly with soap and water. Doing this has a number of benefits which include and not limited to reducing the risk of getting food poisoning or cross-contamination of foods harmful to bacteria and reducing the risk of getting norovirus (stomach virus) among others.
2. Use separate chopping boards
Avoid cross-contamination using separate boards for cutting raw meat, raw products, and ready-to-eat foods. Rinse the cutting boards immediately after use.
3. Keep the kitchen clean
It sounds like a hint, but things are stuffing during the holidays and we do not pay enough attention to wiping the work surfaces or washing the kitchen dish towels. Kitchen counters and dish towels are known for housing nasty bacteria. Clean the kitchen daily to prevent the spread of bacteria.
4. Plan your shopping carefully
When buying, buy the last time to avoid raw meat and fresh produce. Hold the insulated bag in the car so that perishable things stay cool.
5. Store the scraps correctly
It’s great to wait for some tasty remnants, but be sure to keep your food well and eat it within four days. Heat the food at high temperature, make sure that they are hot and do not heat the residues more than once, because fluctuations in temperature can cause bacterial growth.