Do I have the flu or E. coli? How to tell the symptoms apart amid E. coli outbreak in WA

An outbreak of E. coli has led to the recall of bagged carrots from multiple brands. Across the country, dozens of cases have been confirmed, including eight in Washington state, and it’s believed that others may have also gotten sick and recovered on their own.

More information on the outbreak, and what products to throw out, is available here.

When outbreaks coincide with flu and cold season, it’s important to know which symptoms to look out for, and what to do differently when treating E. coli.

What is E. coli?

E. coli is a kind of bacteria often found in food, water, humans and animals. Some strains can cause severe illness in humans, according to the CDC. Exposure to a harmful strain can cause illness as soon as a day later, or as late as a week later, most often occurring somewhere in between, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Most healthy adults can recover from an E. coli infection without treatment within a week, according to the CDC. But severe cases can occur, and young children, older adults, international travelers and those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. These severe cases may require hospitalization.

Symptoms of E. coli

As a bacterial infection, some symptoms of E. coli are different from flu, cold or COVID-19 symptoms. Severe cases can cause infections in your gut, or even kidney failure.

E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, though watery diarrhea can be a sign of E. coli or the flu. Vomiting is more likely an indicator of E. coli. Severe stomach cramps are also a common symptom, along with a fever higher than 102°F.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms, including:

• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as not urinating much, dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up

How E. coli is treated

If you suspect you have E. coli, drink a lot of clear liquids to prevent dehydration and fatigue. Pair this with as much rest as possible.

According to the Mayo Clinic, antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medication are not recommended without first consulting a doctor.

Wash your hands frequently to lower the risk of spreading the infection, as it can be spread from person to person.

Should I report E. coli infections?

If you suspect you have E. coli, contact your healthcare provider. They will be able to run tests to determine what you have, and if further action should be taken. Additionally, they will update the local health department with case numbers.

This story was originally published November 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM.