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E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Most types of E. coli are harmless. However, some types can make you sick and cause diarrhea. One type causes travelers' diarrhea. The worst type of E. coli causes bloody diarrhea, and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. These problems are most likely to occur in children and in adults with weak immune systems.

You can get E. coli infections by eating foods containing the bacteria. Symptoms of infection include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe abdominal cramps
• Watery or very bloody diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever

To help avoid food poisoning and prevent infection, handle food safely. Cook meat well, wash fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking them, and avoid unpasteurized milk and juices. You can also get the infection by swallowing water in a swimming pool contaminated with human waste.

Most cases of E. coli infection get better without treatment in 5 to 10 days.

Safe steps in food handling, cooking, and storage can prevent foodborne illness. There are four basic steps to food safety at home:

• Clean - always wash your fruits and vegetables, hands, counters, and cooking utensils.
• Separate - keep raw foods to themselves. Germs can spread from one food to another.
• Cook - foods need to get hot and stay hot. Heat kills germs.
• Chill - put fresh food in the refrigerator right away.

In the grocery store, avoid cans that are bulging or jars that have cracks or loose lids. Check packages to be sure food hasn't reached its expiration date.

United States Department of Agriculture

During pregnancy, some common infections such as the common cold or a skin infection do not usually cause serious problems. Some infections, such as the flu, can be more severe when you're pregnant. But other infections can be harmful to you, your fetus, or both.

Certain infections during pregnancy may lead to or cause complications or health problems for your fetus, such as:

• Preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Serious illness
• Birth defects
• Lifelong disabilities, such as hearing loss or learning problems

Some infections that can be harmful during pregnancy include:

• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Group B strep (GBS)
• Cytomegalovirus
• Hepatitis
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Toxoplasmosis
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infections
• Zika virus

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's normal during pregnancy. Symptoms of an infection can vary based on the infection. Talk with your health care provider about what symptoms to look for and how to keep healthy. But, if something is worrying you, share your symptoms with your provider for early detection and treatment of infections.

If you do get an infection during pregnancy, contact your provider about treatment that will best protect you and your fetus. Only some medicines are safe during pregnancy.

Taking care of yourself and getting early and regular prenatal care from your provider may help identify and treat infections early.

To lower your risk of certain infections or prevent others:

• Don't eat raw or undercooked meat.
• Don't share food or drinks with other people.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Don't clean litter boxes. Cats can transmit toxoplasmosis.
• Talk to your provider about vaccinations.
• If you have sex, use a condom every time.

Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health