When should I call a doctor about a salmonella infection?
ANSWER
If you have a salmonella infection, it usually goes away on its own after a few days, but if you still are having symptoms more than a week after first getting the infection, you might want to see a doctor.
If a young child, older adult, or person with a weakened immune system has an infection, they should see a doctor if they have any of these symptoms for more than a couple of days:
- Bloody stools
- Dehydration
- Ongoing high fever
Reviewed by Carol DerSarkissian on December 28, 2018
SOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Salmonella.”
World Health Organization: “Salmonella (non-typhoidal).”
Foodsafety.org: “Sneaky Salmonella: It’s Common, Costly, and Preventable.”
Mayo Clinic: “Diseases and Conditions – Salmonella Infection.”
National Health Service (U.K.): “Salmonella infection.”
Kids Health from Nemours: “Salmonella Infections.”
Foodsafety.gov: “Salmonella.”
SOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: “Salmonella.”
World Health Organization: “Salmonella (non-typhoidal).”
Foodsafety.org: “Sneaky Salmonella: It’s Common, Costly, and Preventable.”
Mayo Clinic: “Diseases and Conditions – Salmonella Infection.”
National Health Service (U.K.): “Salmonella infection.”
Kids Health from Nemours: “Salmonella Infections.”
Foodsafety.gov: “Salmonella.”
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information.