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Recognising possible E. coli symptoms
If you think you may have an E. coli infection, look out for symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sickness, and vomiting. Some people also develop a fever or feel generally unwell.
In many cases, E. coli causes diarrhoea that may be severe and sometimes bloody. Symptoms can start within a few days of exposure, but the timing can vary.
What you should do first
Stay at home and rest as much as possible. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.
Plain water, oral rehydration drinks, and clear soups can help replace lost fluids. Try to eat small amounts if you feel able to, but do not force food if you are feeling sick.
When to contact NHS 111
Contact NHS 111 if you are unsure whether your symptoms need medical attention. You should also call if your symptoms are not improving, or if you are concerned about dehydration.
Seek advice if you have bloody diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, or a high temperature. NHS 111 can tell you whether you need further assessment or treatment.
When to get urgent help
Call 999 or go to A&E if you become very drowsy, confused, or struggle to wake up. These can be signs of a serious illness or severe dehydration.
Get urgent help if you cannot keep fluids down, have little or no urine, or notice signs such as dry mouth, dizziness, or fainting. These symptoms may mean you need immediate medical treatment.
Protecting others and preventing spread
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food. Good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to stop E. coli spreading to others.
Do not share towels, and avoid preparing food for other people while you are unwell. Clean toilet seats, handles, and other surfaces regularly if someone in your household has symptoms.
What to avoid
Do not take anti-diarrhoeal medicines unless a healthcare professional tells you to do so. In some cases, these medicines can make certain infections worse.
Also avoid antibiotics unless they have been prescribed. Not every E. coli infection needs them, and the wrong treatment may not help.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you suspect E. coli infection, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor your symptoms closely. Seek medical care promptly if symptoms are severe, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have signs of dehydration.
Get urgent medical attention right away if you have bloody diarrhea, severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, confusion, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urination.
Sip water or oral rehydration solutions frequently, even if you can only take small amounts at a time. Avoid alcohol and limit caffeinated drinks if they worsen diarrhea or dehydration.
Do not take antibiotics unless a clinician specifically tells you to. Some E. coli infections can worsen with certain antibiotics, so medical guidance is important.
Avoid anti-diarrheal medicines unless a healthcare professional recommends them. These medicines can sometimes make certain E. coli infections worse by slowing the body’s ability to clear the infection.
Start with bland, easy-to-tolerate foods if you can eat, such as toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, or crackers. Eat small amounts and stop if food makes nausea or diarrhea worse.
Avoid greasy, very spicy, and heavy foods if they worsen your symptoms. Also avoid unpasteurized dairy and undercooked meat while you are sick and during recovery.
Many cases improve within a few days to about a week, but some can last longer or become severe. If symptoms are not improving, or if they are worsening, contact a healthcare professional.
Yes, it can spread through contaminated hands, surfaces, food, or water. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food.
Stay home if you have diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, and do not return until you are feeling better and can maintain good hygiene. If you work with food, children, or healthcare, ask a clinician or local health authority about return-to-work rules.
Children with suspected E. coli infection should be monitored carefully for dehydration, reduced urination, lethargy, or bloody diarrhea. Contact a pediatrician promptly, especially if the child is very young or symptoms are severe.
Older adults may become dehydrated more quickly and can get sicker faster, so medical evaluation is often recommended sooner. Encourage fluids and seek care if there is weakness, confusion, or worsening diarrhea.
Little or no urination can be a sign of significant dehydration or a serious complication. Seek medical care promptly, especially if this is accompanied by dizziness, dry mouth, or weakness.
Severe stomach cramps can be a warning sign of a more serious illness. If pain is intense, persistent, or accompanied by bloody diarrhea or vomiting, get medical attention quickly.
A mild fever can happen with infections, but high or persistent fever should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Keep drinking fluids and seek care sooner if fever comes with worsening pain or bloody diarrhea.
If symptoms develop after eating undercooked beef, suspect possible E. coli infection and monitor closely. Hydrate, rest, and contact a clinician if you have bloody diarrhea, severe cramps, or dehydration.
Avoid swallowing possibly contaminated water, drink safe fluids, and watch for diarrhea, cramps, or vomiting. If symptoms appear or you feel very unwell, seek medical advice.
Cook meats thoroughly, wash hands regularly, avoid cross-contamination in the kitchen, drink pasteurized milk and safe water, and wash fruits and vegetables well. Good food safety habits lower the risk of infection.
Pregnant people should contact a healthcare professional promptly if E. coli infection is suspected because dehydration and severe illness can be risky. Hydration and medical guidance are important, especially if there is vomiting or bloody diarrhea.
A clinician may ask about symptoms, food exposures, travel, and may order a stool test if needed. Medical evaluation helps determine whether the illness is likely E. coli and what treatment is safest.
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