Symptoms of salmonellosis (Salmonella)
Learn about the symptoms of salmonellosis and what to do if you become ill.
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What are the symptoms of salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis has a wide range of symptoms. You may not get sick at all. But if you do, symptoms usually start within 6 to 72 hours after exposure.
You may experience:
- chills
- a fever
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- a sudden headache
Most symptoms end within 4 to 7 days.
While most people recover completely on their own, some people may have a more serious illness that:
- requires hospital care
- may lead to long-lasting health effects or death
What do you do if you become ill?
If you think you have salmonellosis, see your health care provider.
Avoid preparing food for other people if you think you are:
- sick with salmonellosis
- suffering from any other contagious illness causing diarrhea
Severe vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration (loss of fluids). To protect against dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. This is particularly important for at-risk groups.