Botulism is caused by a specific strain of bacteria, which releases toxins that can have a severe impact on a person’s health and well-being. While it’s not always possible to avoid infection, taking the following steps can greatly reduce your risk of botulism.
Bacteria can sometimes develop within foods, which can cause a person to experience the effects of botulism if consumed. With canned foods, the condition of the can indicates potential bacterial growth inside. That’s why cans that have significant rust, or those that are dented or pierced, should be discarded without eating.
When it comes to things like leftovers, they must be placed in the refrigerator as soon as possible. After two hours, foods left in room temperatures can fall victim to bacterial growth and be unsafe for consumption as a result.
Infants are vulnerable to botulism because their immune systems are still immature. Accordingly, children under one year of age should never be given honey. Honey can sometimes contain bacterial spores, and these spores can cause severe illness in babies.
Keep in mind that infants can acquire botulism in other ways. However, you can lower the risk by maintaining a clean household and stopping infants from coming in contact with dust and soil.
When it comes to wounds, they should be cleaned regularly and bandaged to prevent contaminants from infiltrating broken skin. For the best results:
Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and pus, require immediate medical attention. Additionally, symptoms like nausea, drooping eyelids, and slurred speech signal botulism, even if the wound doesn’t appear infected.