The classic symptom of salmonella is diarrhea, often accompanied by fever and abdominal pain. Vomiting can occur, though it’s less common with salmonella than with other gastrointestinal infections, such as norovirus.
Symptoms can hit 6 hours to six days after exposure. They usually last a few days, though they can continue for a week or more. Most people will recover on their own, but children younger than 5, older adults, pregnant people, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to get sick from salmonella and are at greater risk for severe complications.
As with any gastrointestinal infection, staying hydrated is key to preventing complications. Drink plenty of water, juice, broth, or other caffeine-free, nonalcoholic fluids. Call your doctor if you have a fever of 101.5° F or higher or bloody diarrhea, or you experience symptoms of severe dehydration (producing little or no urine or having very dark urine, being extremely thirsty, having a dry mouth or throat, feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or crying without tears).
