Home treatment is great for mild cases. But if your fever hits 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, you can’t keep down fluids for 24 hours, or you see blood (and I mean red, not “I ate too many beets” red), get professional help. Also, if you’re pregnant, elderly, or have a weak immune system, don’t play hero—call your doc.
Remember, your body is an incredible machine. Most people recover from E. coli within 5-10 days without antibiotics (which can actually make things worse for this particular bug). So, hydrate, eat bland toast, rest, and maybe invest in a toilet plunger for emotional support.
Now go forth, hydrate, and may your bowel movements be boring, predictable, and—finally—solid. You’ve got this.
