How is E. coli O157:H7 illness treated?
Most people recover without specific treatment within 5 to 10 days. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection, and it is thought that treatment with some antibiotics could lead to kidney complications. Antidiarrheal agents, such as loperamide (Imodium®), should also be avoided. In some people, E. coli O157:H7 infection can cause a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that is usually treated in an intensive care unit. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis are often required.
