If someone has e coli, how long does it take for the effects to happen???

Question

I had a salad from a restaurant in Woburn, Ma. yesterday. There was a note of E Coli in the water supply in Woburn. Not thinking that the salad was washed in the town's water (maybe) I ate it anyway. Say I do have E Coli, how long does it take for the effects to happen???

Answer 1

E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a common bug which is present everywhere in the environment. Mostly it helps people to stay healthy, providing the body with many vitamins, such as vitamin K. But some strains - such as the O157 strain - are potentially fatal. Symptoms may appear within hours or days, depending on a series of factors, including the number of organisms ingested, the person's state of health and their natural resistance to the bug. Most people recover without specific treatment in five to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used for the treatment of E. coli 0157:H7 infection. Studies have shown that some antibiotics may increase the risk of complications. In some people, particularly children under five years of age, the infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a serious disease in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Transfusions of blood or blood clotting factors as well as kidney dialysis may be necessary. A prolonged hospital stay is often required. Fortunately, most people with HUS recover completely, but it can be fatal.
As in all cases when detailed medical information is required, you would be advised to consult your doctor
Hope this helps
Matador 89

Answer 2

Usually e coli will make you sick within 4 - 6 hours. It can sometimes take a bit longer, but in your case I would say you are in the clear.