Salmonella can range from mild to life-threatening, but for most people it causes a short bout of gastroenteritis that resolves in about a week. However, certain groups are at higher risk for more serious illness. Direct answer
- Overall seriousness: Salmonella is a common foodborne infection. In many healthy adults, symptoms are self-limited and mild to moderate, but dehydration and severe diarrhea can occur, and a small proportion may require hospitalization. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream or other body sites, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Higher-risk groups: infants and young children, pregnant people, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses are more likely to have severe symptoms and complications.
- Typical symptoms: fever, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Most people recover in several days to a week.
- When to seek care: contact a healthcare provider if there is severe dehydration (very dry mouth, little urination, dizziness), bloody stools, a fever higher than 102°F (39°C), signs of spreading infection, or if the person is in a high-risk group.
- Prevention basics: proper food handling, thorough cooking of poultry and eggs, avoiding cross-contamination, and practicing good hand hygiene help reduce risk.
If you’d like, I can tailor more detailed guidance for a specific person (age, pregnancy status, immune status) or provide practical steps for prevention and when to seek care.
