Food Poisoning: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

The Importance of Timely Antibiotic Intervention

With the right measures taken, this very common illness can also be very preventable.

With Father’s Day fast approaching and family meals being planned, food poisoning may be the last thing you want to think about. Following the food safety tips below will ensure everyone remembers your meal for the right reasons.

Food poisoning is a miserable experience that strikes millions each year, and many of us know it all too well. Caused by eating contaminated food or drinks tainted with harmful toxins, bacteria, viruses, or parasites, it’s mindlessly easy to get, but also largely preventable with the right precautions in place.

Read on to learn about what causes food poisoning, how to prevent it, and ways to treat it.

What makes us sick?

The culprits behind food poisoning are varied. Common bacterial offenders include salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. These can cause nasty cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Antibiotics may be prescribed for severe bacterial infections, but often rest and fluids are the best course of action.

Parasites like Giardia can also wreak havoc, causing similar symptoms along with bloating and gas. Anti-parasitic medication is typically needed to eradicate these unwelcome guests.

| According to the CDC: Each year 48 million people get sick from food poisoning, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 cases are fatal |

Prevention is Key

Follow these food safety tips and prevent getting sick in the first place!

Safe Handling: Practice proper hygiene in the kitchen. Wash hands thoroughly before handling food, and clean surfaces regularly.

Cook it Right: Ensure meats reach proper internal temperatures to kill bacteria. Use a food thermometer for accurate readings.

Chilling Out: Refrigerate leftovers promptly and avoid reheating food multiple times.

Beware BBQ’s and Buffets: Be cautious at buffets, potlucks and BBQ’s, especially during hot weather, as food can spoil more quickly.

Treatments for Food Poisoning

Treatment for food poisoning depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms:

Bacterial Infections: Mild bacterial food poisoning often resolves without specific treatment. For severe cases, antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin may be prescribed.

Viral Infections: There is no specific treatment for viral food poisoning; supportive care, such as hydration and rest, is essential.

Parasitic Infections: Antiparasitic medications, such as metronidazole or nitazoxanide, are used to treat parasitic infections.

In all cases, maintaining hydration is crucial, as food poisoning often causes significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea.

Increased Risk in the Summer and During Travel

The risk of food poisoning is always present, but the warmer weather, or traveling to new destinations can increase the odds of encountering the dreaded belly rumble.

✈️ Food poisoning is more likely when traveling because your body is not used to the local bacteria in the food and water, potentially exposing you to pathogens that are not common back home. This is especially true when traveling to regions with different sanitation standards. Drinking bottled water, avoiding raw foods, and eating at reputable establishments can help reduce this risk.

☀️ Bacteria-based food poisoning is more prevalent in the summertime due to warmer temperatures, which promote bacterial growth. Foods left out at picnics, barbecues, or buffets can quickly become breeding grounds for bacteria – highlighted recently by the state of Oregon.

| This past week the FDA issued a warning, saying to take extra precautions while eating shellfish – particularly oysters and clams – after 21 people have been sickened in the northwest in the past month. |

Fortunately, most of the time passing the food, rehydrating, and resting are enough to recover. OTC medications like Loperamide (Immodium), and Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help alleviate the symptoms during your recovery.

In more serious cases antibiotics such as Azithromycin, and Ciprofloxacin (both come in every Jase Case) can be used for food poisoning stemming from bacteria.

When it comes to food poisoning, be vigilant! Clean your cooking surfaces, wash your hands, and know your food sources! Always remember, when in doubt, throw it out. If food seems off, don’t eat it!

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

The Importance of Timely Antibiotic Intervention

Accelerate healing through early treatment.

The Key to Effective Infection Management: Early antibiotic intervention and at the right dose.

While aggressive antibiotic treatment with high dosages has been the go-to methodology of treatment historically, research by the National Institute of Health is challenging that assumption. This article published by the NIH states that the timing of antibiotics being administered, relative to the dosages, also plays a critical role in the duration of an infection.

Antibiotics are a cornerstone of modern medicine, a powerful tool in our fight against bacterial infections. But when it comes to their effectiveness, timing is everything – almost. Administering appropriate dose of antibiotics promptly can significantly improve a patient’s outcome, while delays can have serious consequences.

The Power of Precise Timing and Dosing:

Boosting Survival Rates: Studies consistently show a strong link between delays in antibiotic treatment and higher mortality rates, particularly in life-threatening infections like sepsis. Each hour of delay can significantly decrease a patient’s chances of survival. Early antibiotics give the body a fighting chance to overcome the infection before it becomes overwhelming.

Targeting the Enemy Effectively: Antibiotics work best when bacteria are actively multiplying. Early administration at the correct dosage targets them during this vulnerable stage, stopping their spread and allowing the immune system to clear them more effectively. An incorrect dose, whether too low or too high, can allow the bacteria to survive and potentially develop resistance to the antibiotics, making treatment more challenging.

Protecting Vital Organs: Severe infections can cause significant damage to organs like the lungs, kidneys, and heart. Prompt antibiotic treatment at the recommended dose helps control the infection and minimize this damage, leading to a better overall outcome for the patient. Early intervention and proper dosing can prevent complications and the need for additional, potentially more intensive treatments.

The Dangers of Delay and Incorrect Dosage:

A Race Against Time and Strength: Delays in antibiotic treatment or taking incorrect dosages can significantly worsen a patient’s prognosis. The longer the bacteria have to multiply and potentially develop resistance, the harder it is to eradicate the infection.

Breeding Resistance: Incorrect doses, particularly under-dosing, create an environment where some bacteria can survive and potentially develop resistance to the antibiotic. This can have serious consequences for future treatment of that particular infection, not just for the individual patient but also for the wider community.

Increased Healthcare Costs: Complications arising from delayed or incorrect antibiotic use can lead to additional procedures, hospital stays, and other interventions, significantly increasing healthcare costs.

A Longer Road to Recovery: Delayed treatment or incorrect antibiotic dosages extend the infection’s course, leading to a longer recovery time with ongoing discomfort and disability for the patient.

Continue to Take the Full Regimen of Antibiotics:

It’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms begin to improve. This ensures all bacteria are eliminated, preventing relapse and the development of antibiotic resistance. Whenever taking medications, adhere strictly to your physician’s instructions.

Antibiotic resistance can occur when the infection is only partially treated. It is crucial to continue taking the entire regimen of antibiotics according to the instructions, even if you begin to feel better. If the infection has been allowed to become antibiotic-resistant from not taking the full schedule of antibiotics, the worsened illness can lead to serious complications.

Ensuring Access to Antibiotics

Administering antibiotics quickly is a prudent theory, but sometimes not a practical reality. CBS News recently reported on the widening gaps of mortality rates between city and rural residents due to difficult access to healthcare in rural communities. A local PBS Station in Washington said that rural patients often have to travel several hours from home to seek medical attention, which can lead to far worse patient outcomes. The difficulty in accessing treatment while on a trip can be so burdensome that the CDC has entire page devoted to getting healthcare while traveling.

Considering the timely need to administer antibiotics and the sometimes prolonged access to healthcare, the only way to ensure that you don’t fall in the gap is by having your own emergency antibiotics on hand at home. This is why we made the Jase Case – to give you access to treatment when healthcare is inaccessible.

Antibiotics are the preferred treatment for bacterial infections, but do not help treat viral infections like the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) – which has seen a recent resurgence and is now infecting humans (CDC). Anti-viral drugs such as Oseltamivir (TamiFlu) are necessary for Influenza strains including Bird Flu. Oseltamivir 75mg (10 pack) is just one of the many available add-on medications we offer to add to your Jase Case to increase its usable scenarios.

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Looking for the Most Complete Medical Kit? Look No Further

As Jase continues to make waves in the medical preparedness community, we have historically been on the cutting edge of customer service, medication selection and innovation, delivering the highest quality product to our valued customers.

Jase Daily, launched last year, was a pivotal turn in our preparedness model for our patients. By providing a years’ worth of chronic medications for our patients, we provide a buffer from the ongoing supply chain disruptions and drug shortages.

We aren’t stopping there. Over the coming months, we will be adding more products and services to our already extensive medical line of products.

Jase Medical continues to lead.

Some of the ways we continue to serve you and your family with your medical preparedness needs are:

Bioterrorism

Our Jase Case carries enough antibiotics for a bioterror event. Bioterrorism is defined as deliberate release of bioweapons to cause death or disease. They may be developed or used as part of a government policy in biological warfare or by terrorist groups or criminals. This is a very real threat as we move through 2024 and beyond. Doxycycline is the first line of antibiotics usually given in the event of a bioterrorism event. Anthrax, for example, is a widely known bioterror agent. The dose and course of treatment recommended is 100 mg, 1 tablet every 12 hours for 60 days. That works out to 120 tablets. Our Jase Case contains 120 of the 100 mg tablets. We are the only medical preparedness group that delivers that kind of protection.

Add on medications to customize your kit

Add medications tailored to your unique needs and situation. We continue to add to our formulary. Our selection of cases provides the most common medications for each situation.

For instance, our Traveler kit contains medication for giardia (a very common parasite), bioterrorism, urinary tract infections, and more. This well-equipped case can be rounded out with specific medications according to where your travels may take you. From motion sickness meds, pain relievers, allergy, and asthma medications (including epi pens), and even cream for common rashes; are just of few of the medications you can add to your kit.

Take a look at the Student Kit. This would make a valuable addition for the back-to-school college student in your family.

Protect you and your family from drug shortages with Jase Daily

Turn your computer/phone/pad on and it is glaringly obvious that our world is changing. And not for the better. Severe weather (record breaking cold, earthquakes, tornadoes), global supply disruptions, the threat of imminent war, energy grid failure, cyberattacks have and will continue to unfold over the coming months. We are only halfway through January and our world has witnessed record breaking cold, terror attacks overseas, grid down events, like the one that recently happened over the weekend in the Seattle area (cause still not being disclosed) when natural gas lines went offline, threatening millions lives. We are only one event away from drug, medical supply and societal collapse. With a years supply of lifesaving medications that Jase Daily delivers, you can be assured that you and your family will be able to weather the coming storms as we move through 2024.

Place your trust in the original antibiotic kit

As Jase Medical enters its 4th year, we continue to uphold the integrity, value, and hard work of our team. Our highly qualified, board certified doctors and pharmacists and dedicated customer service team are here to assure you receive your medications as quickly as possible. Our high standards are unmet anywhere in the medical preparedness field. This is reflected in our exceptional customer reviews, citing outstanding customer service, prompt delivery and professionalism of our team. We continue to strive to make Jase even better, as we roll out ore products in the coming months. With the After Pay feature, you are assured that you can be covered for any emergency now, not in the future.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Leave the World Behind- Leave This Movie Behind

I subscribed to Netflix over New Year’s Eve to watch the viral movie “Leave the World Behind”.

The movie is loosely based on a 2020 novel written by Rumaan Alam.

As someone in the preparedness world before the term” prepper” became popular, I feel qualified to critique this film.

I hold an amateur (ham) radio license, have trained in Ares (Amateur Radio Emergency System), was a home health nurse in some of the more remote areas of Central Idaho, lived off-grid for 3 years (we moved and are working towards off grid living again), attended wilderness medicine classes and have taught medical prep and food storage locally over the past 20 plus years. These qualifications give me a perspective that may not be popular, albeit a more accurate view of this film’s validity.

Here is a summary of this movie for those who haven’t seen it: Family rents an upscale home for a vacation. They live in New York, and the vacation home is on Long Island, not too far from NYC. At first, everything seemed idyllic. There is a pool, the home is nestled in the woods, and no nearby neighbors. The lights and internet are working. Over hours, the internet stops working. Late at night, the owner (George, or G.H.) of the house and his daughter arrive, stating New York is experiencing a blackout and asking to stay. Eventually, we learn that George has a high-ranking client in the Department of Defense who warned him of an impending cyberattack. We never learn who the official is and how George knows him; we only know that he is his client.

As the film progresses, the family encounters a series of events and encounters that show what NOT to do if/when a large-scale cyberattack hits a major city.

I have only listed a few discrepancies:

Excessive alcohol consumption. In the film, the adults are constantly drinking. Alcohol impairs the mind, dehydrates, and lowers immunity. These reasons alone are enough reason to limit or eliminate alcohol consumption during a grid-down scenario of any kind. Storing high-proof alcohol for making tinctures is a good idea, however.
Cigarette smoking- The wife purchases a pack of cigarettes for the husband “since they are on vacation”. The reality is that if someone has a nicotine addiction, either stock up or quit smoking immediately. Just like alcohol use, nicotine withdrawal during times of extreme stress isn’t ideal.
They waited too long to fill up the bathtub for water storage. A cyberattack can take out the controls and electricity in the municipal water system, leaving only a day or so for gravity-fed water to flow out of the faucets. And even then, the water could be contaminated or poisoned.

One sobering true-to-life example was the February 2021 cyberattack on the Oldsmar, Florida municipal water supply- twice in one day. Hackers attempted to increase the chemical sodium hydroxide, known as lye, to 100 times its normal levels. Cyberattacks on our water supply are the deadliest, potentially wiping out entire communities or towns. You can often not see or smell chemicals put into the water and could inadvertently drink the poisoned water. The EPA and other government agencies take this threat seriously and are working to prevent or mitigate these attacks.

Stock up on water, at least 3 gallons per person for a week, more if you have room.

The movie attributes the teenage son Archie’s teeth falling out to an infected bug or tick bite, causing Lyme disease. However, this storyline is not plausible. Lyme disease doesn’t cause vomiting or teeth to fall out. Archie did run a fever, however, indicating an infection.

It has been speculated that his teeth fell out because of sound warfare, like the 2016-2017 attack on Cuban Embassy where officials were exposed to weaponized microwaves.

According to the book’s storyline, Archie’s mother’s teeth also started loosening. (I haven’t read the book). The agonizing, undisclosed sound that pierced the ears and caused anguish to the families and was heard several times during the movie gives credence to this theory.

Prepper neighbor sells antibiotics- for $1,000.00. The prepper neighbor sells Archie’s dad some random antibiotics to save his son’s life. This is about the most ridiculous part of the entire movie. There was no information on the antibiotic and what it was effective against. Was it the correct dose? How often to take? Could Archie be allergic to the antibiotic? So many unanswered questions. Antibiotics aren’t to be given randomly. Each one has a specific mechanism of action and use. Don’t play Russian roulette with your family’s health.

Get the Jase Case, prescription antibiotics tailored to your and your family’s needs. It is only a matter of WHEN, not IF, a cyberattack will take down our fragile grid.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

Does Your Sore Throat Need an Antibiotic?

Antibiotics don’t kill viruses; they kill bacteria, mold, or parasites.

They are lifesaving drugs when the need arises. However, overuse has led to antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria that used to be effective with an appropriate antibiotic. Nowadays, we are facing a crisis of antibiotic resistance, leading many healthcare providers to use caution when prescribing antibiotics.

Some bacteria and mold have mutated and developed immunity to common antibiotics, leaving healthcare providers with fewer options. However, with judicious use, there are still several effective antibiotics available. Knowing when to use them and when to treat symptoms is essential.

This is especially true when dealing with a sore throat. While nothing can replace a healthcare provider visit and lab testing, some telltale signs can help determine if you need an antibiotic to treat your sore throat.

There may be a time soon, given all the worldwide unrest you won’t be able to visit your healthcare provider- staff shortage, cyber-attacks on their laboratory and computer systems, medical supply shortage (throat swabs, etc.).

Example of a viral infection leading to a bacterial infection

A viral infection can weaken the immune system and allow pathogenic, opportunistic bacteria to grow. This is called a secondary or coinfection infection. For example, a case of influenza (viral) can lead to mycoplasma pneumonia (bacterial) or even strep throat.

How can you tell the difference if you are without medical care? If medical systems and testing are not available, you must rely on exposure, symptoms, and susceptibility to infection to guide you.

To begin with, let’s look at the difference between a bacterial, fungal, and viral infection.

Bacterial Infection

Bacteria are single-cell organisms that can live in diverse (many different) environments- in soil, air, almost anywhere. (see below) Most are not disease-causing.

Disease-causing bacteria are called pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria invade and reside in the host (human or animal) and can cause illness.

Common bacterial infections include:

Strep throat (causes sore throat)
Cellulitis (commonly caused by group B strep)
Lyme disease (transmitted via tick bite)
Urinary tract infections
Bacterial meningitis (caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Group B Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli)
Staphylococcus aureus – the most common form of healthcare facility-related infections

Less common but a public health threat is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis or TB).

Fungal Infection

Fungus are eukaryotic (with a nucleus) organisms that are either single cells, such as yeast, or molds, which are a collection of cells that form long, thin, hairlike threads called hyphae. Just like bacterial infections, they can live almost anywhere: air, surfaces, etc.(see below)

Symptoms of strep throat

(need antibiotics)

Fever
Pain when swallowing
Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
Red and swollen tonsils
White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae
Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever

Note: It is crucial to take an entire course of antibiotics, stay home from work or school until you no longer have a fever, AND have taken antibiotics for at least 12 hours.

The following symptoms suggest a virus is causing the illness instead of strep throat:

Cough
Runny nose
Hoarseness (changes in your voice that make it sound breathy, raspy, or strained)
Conjunctivitis (also called pink eye)

If a virus is the cause of a sore throat, antibiotics will not help.

Fungal (candida, oral thrush)

(need antibiotics)

Candidiasis is an infection caused by a yeast (a type of fungus) called Candida. Candida usually lives on the skin and inside the body, in places such as the mouth, throat, gut, and vagina, without causing any problems. Candida can multiply and cause an infection if the environment inside the mouth, throat, or esophagus changes in a way that encourages fungal growth.

Candidiasis in the mouth and throat:

White patches on the inner cheeks, tongue, roof of the mouth, and throat
Redness or soreness
Pain while eating or swallowing
Cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth

You are at risk for developing Candida if you:

Wear dentures
Have diabetes
Have cancer
Have HIV/AIDS
Take antibiotics or corticosteroids, including inhaled corticosteroids
Take medications that cause dry mouth
Smoke

Treatment

Candidiasis in the mouth, throat, or esophagus is treated with antifungal medicine. The treatment for mild to moderate infections in the mouth or throat is usually an antifungal medicine applied to the inside of the mouth for 7 to 14 days. These medications include clotrimazole, miconazole, or nystatin. The most common treatment for severe infections is fluconazole (an antifungal medication) taken by mouth or vein.

Common fungal infections include:

Candidiasis- throat, mouth (causes sore throat)
Candidiasis-vaginal can lead to urinary tract infection
Nail fungus
Ringworm
Aspergillosis
Blastomycosis
Candida Aureus (C.aureus)

Viral Infection

Viruses are tiny (much smaller than bacteria) parasitic microorganisms that feed off living cells or tissue in the body. Viruses can quickly spread from one person to another through the same routes as bacteria and fungi. (see below)

Common viral infections include:

Influenza (can cause sore throat)
Common cold (can cause sore throat)
Covid 19 (can cause sore throat)
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) (can cause sore throat)
Hepatitis
Viral pneumonia (can impair the immune system, leading to bacterial infection)
Viral meningitis
Chickenpox

How bacteria, mold, and viruses are transmitted (how they infect the body)

Droplets or aerosol (cough or sneeze)
Body fluids (infected wound -bacterial or sexual contact- both bacterial and viral)
Tick bites
Bug bites
Contact with contaminated surfaces (faucets, sharing utensils or cups, towels or personal items)
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water
Dust or decaying matter
Nosocomial (hospital origin)

A robust immune system can prevent bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Susceptible people are those being treated for cancer, the very young, the elderly, diabetics, and anyone with impaired immune function.

How to tell if your sore throat needs an antibiotic.

Most sore throats are caused by a virus, such as a cold or flu, and do not require an antibiotic—other common causes of a sore throat- strep throat and oral candidiasis (thrush), require antibiotics.

Symptoms and Treatment of Sore Throats

The following is only a guideline in the event there is no medical care available. In addition, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and advice.

According to the CDC, most sore throats, except strep throat and candidiasis, do not need antibiotics.

Sore throat pain relief

Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges (do not give lozenges to children younger than 4 years).
Use a clean humidifier or cool mist vaporizer.
Gargle with salt water.
Drink warm beverages and plenty of fluids.
Use honey to relieve cough for adults and children at least 1 year or older.
Over-the-counter symptom and pain relievers.

Warm/hot water with honey, ginger, and lemon drink can reduce phlegm and soothe the throat lining. In addition, ginger has proven antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The Jase Case with add-ons have you covered, with antibiotics and pain relievers for sore throats and many other types of infections.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Medical Content Writer

Lifesaving Medications

Everyone should be empowered to care for themselves and their loved ones during the unexpected.

Order Today

Join Our Newsletter

Our mission is to help you be more medically prepared. Join our newsletter and follow us on social media for health and safety tips each week!

« Older Entries

With the right measures taken, this very common illness can also be very preventable.

What makes us sick?

| According to the CDC: Each year 48 million people get sick from food poisoning, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 cases are fatal |

Prevention is Key

Treatments for Food Poisoning

Increased Risk in the Summer and During Travel

| This past week the FDA issued a warning, saying to take extra precautions while eating shellfish – particularly oysters and clams – after 21 people have been sickened in the northwest in the past month. |

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Accelerate healing through early treatment.

Ensuring Access to Antibiotics

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Some of the ways we continue to serve you and your family with your medical preparedness needs are:

Bioterrorism

Add on medications to customize your kit

Protect you and your family from drug shortages with Jase Daily

Place your trust in the original antibiotic kit

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

I subscribed to Netflix over New Year’s Eve to watch the viral movie “Leave the World Behind”.

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Example of a viral infection leading to a bacterial infection

Bacterial Infection

Common bacterial infections include:

Fungal Infection

Symptoms of strep throat

Treatment

Viral Infection

How to tell if your sore throat needs an antibiotic.

Symptoms and Treatment of Sore Throats

- Brooke Lounsbury, RN

Lifesaving Medications

Recent Posts

Join Our Newsletter

Recent Posts