Are You Suffering From an E. Coli Infection? A Closer Look at the Common Symptoms

Last updated on February 8th, 2025

Did you know that some strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) are relatively harmless? Yes, you may come down with a brief case of mild diarrhea, but it’s usually gone before you can discuss the issue with your doctor.

Some strains of E. coli out there are even present in your intestines right now and help aid with digestion. However, other strains can produce debilitating symptoms like vomiting and even bloody diarrhea.

Understanding the symptoms of E. coli infection can be vital for your health, especially if your treatment requires more than bed rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

Symptoms of an E. Coli Infection

Even though there are several E. coli strains, the symptoms associated with a bacterial infection are the same. What can vary is the time it takes for symptoms to appear. You may start displaying symptoms after a few hours, days, or even over a week, depending on the bacterial strain.

For example, Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), also known as traveler’s diarrhea, usually only takes a couple of hours before symptoms start appearing.

So, what are the symptoms commonly associated with an E. coli infection?

  • Nausea and vomiting: While not all strains cause nausea, some do. Also, not everyone exposed to E. coli bacteria displays this symptom.
  • Stomach pain, tenderness, and cramping: Your stomach may feel like it’s tied in knots or even be a little painful to the touch. You know, if you gently poke your stomach and feel a painful twinge. Stomach cramping can be mild or even severe. The severity typically depends on the bacteria strain and the amount of exposure. If you only enjoyed a tiny nibble of contaminated food, your symptoms like cramping will probably be relatively minor.

There’s another symptom that you may already be associating with an E. coli infection. Yes, diarrhea is a common symptom, regardless of which strain you’re exposed to. Your diarrhea may be mild, only a little watery. If so, your exposure to the bacteria is probably minor and your symptoms shouldn’t be much more than a potentially embarrassing inconvenience.

However, some individuals can experience severe diarrhea. Their stool isn’t only loose and watery but blood may also be present. If you notice blood in your stool, it’s time to seek immediate medical treatment, because the presence of blood can be a sign of a serious health complication.

A Look at Common E. Coli Risk Factors

If the thought of coming down with an E. coli infection isn’t appealing, you can take steps to help minimize your risk. Some of these steps are pretty obvious, like washing your hands after using the restroom or changing a dirty diaper; others may be a little surprising.

For example, regardless of how clear the water is in a running stream, it’s never a good idea to take a drink. This also includes lakes, ponds, and especially swimming pools. The untreated water is often teeming with bacteria, some of it belonging to the E. coli family. Even a quick refreshing sip can be enough to cause you to come down with an infection.

Vacations in tropical climates are a great way to relax but stay away from any liquids not prepackaged and tightly sealed. This includes drinking from public water fountains. Yes, the water is probably cold and refreshing, but it’s often not treated and can contain E. coli bacteria.

Don’t forget to wipe down your counters after handling raw meat, and this doesn’t only apply to raw chicken, but also uncooked pork and beef. Washing your hands thoroughly after touching raw meat can also help prevent the bacteria from spreading.

You also want to stay away from unpasteurized beverages like milk and juice, which includes any products made from unpasteurized ingredients like cheese.

Some Individuals Have a Higher Risk of Developing an E. Coli Infection

Along with certain foods and unhygienic habits like not washing your hands after using the bathroom, some people are at a higher risk of developing an E. coli infection. This includes older adults and young children.

Their immune systems may not be capable of fighting off the bacterial infection and this can result in more severe symptoms. Infants, in particular, are at risk of developing meningitis if they’re exposed to E. coli strains.

Not only older adults and young children dealing with weakened or less developed immune systems. Some medications used to treat AIDS and cancer, and even those designed to prevent organ transplant rejections can temporarily weaken the individual’s immune system, which can cause more severe symptoms if they’re exposed to E. coli.

While you don’t want your stomach acid levels to be through the roof, now you’re dealing with health issues like acid reflux syndrome. You also don’t want your stomach acid levels to drop. Your stomach acid actually helps protect against E. coli infections and some medications can increase your risk. If you’re taking medication like Prilosec or Nexium, you may be at an increased risk.

Here’s a surprising risk factor. Did you know the time of the year can increase your risk of developing an E. coli infection? While researchers aren’t sure why the number of cases increases from June through September, there is a theory.

Since people tend to gather in larger groups during the summer and share food, this can lead to an uptick in the number of E. coli cases recorded during the warmer months. If one individual brings a tainted dish for the group to share, it’s not uncommon for multiple people to become sick.

Preventing E. Coli Infections Throughout the Year

You can’t eradicate the bacteria, and you don’t want to. Some strains of E. coli are beneficial and help with digestion. However, there are also strains you want to avoid. Washing your hands before touching any food is a good place to start, and don’t forget to wash all fresh produce and cook all meats thoroughly.

Avoid drinking untreated water, which means don’t drink from a swimming pool or stream no matter how clean the water appears to be. If you do start showing signs of an E. coli infection, contact your healthcare provider. Chances are, the infection will go away after a few days, but if not, you should seek medical treatment.