Listeriosis Prevention for Older Adults

What is listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a foodborne illness brought on by the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes. Listeriosis can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, sepsis, and other illnesses. Although some populations may experience only mild or flu-like symptoms, older adults are more susceptible to listeria infections.

Listeriosis and Older Adults

As we age, our immune systems have a harder time fighting off harmful germs. Mounting a strong immune response against Listeria monocytogenes becomes more difficult, especially since older adults may be living with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or COPD, which may put an individual at higher risk for infections.

Additionally, gastrointestinal function changes over time. Stomach acid production tends to decrease with age. This creates an environment that is easier for Listeria to survive in.

Listeriosis Prevention Strategies

1. Keep your refrigerator clean. Put food away in airtight containers to prevent spills from occurring. If spills do occur, clean them up right away, especially if meat is involved. This will help prevent Listeria from growing and spreading to other foods.

Every three to four months, have your fridge deep cleaned. Remove all the food items and discard expired items. Take out the shelves and drawers and wash them individually with warm, soapy water. Clean the walls of the fridge by wiping them down with cloth dipped in warm, soapy water. This will not only help you prevent Listeria contamination, but also minimize odors and allow your fridge to operate efficiently.

2. Consume food when it's still fresh. Ready-to-eat cold foods have a higher chance of being contaminated with Listeria than some other foods. Cold foods such as deli meats, cold-smoked fish, soft cheese, unpasteurized dairy products, unpasteurized fruit juices, bean sprouts, and raw fish can harbor Listeria monocytogenes. It thrives in cool, moist environments. As ready-to-eat foods spend more time in the fridge, their chances of growing Listeria monocytogenes go up, so eat these foods while they are fresh. If a food develops a slimy texture, discoloration, an irregular smell, or mold, refrain from eating it and discard it.

3. Reheat foods to internal temperatures of 165°F and above, as Listeria monocytogenes die off at that temperature. Microwaving, cooking, steaming, grilling, or boiling hot dogs, deli meats, and cold cuts can allow you to still enjoy these foods without worrying about Listeriosis. Heat queso-fresco type cheeses to the same internal temperatures before consumption, or opt for hard cheeses that are pasteurized instead.

How Presidio Can Help

Our Home Care Aides are thoroughly trained in food safety. Our Aides practice safe food-handling techniques and proper personal hygiene. Cleaning food contact surfaces often and cooking food to safe temperatures are second nature to our team. Let us help your loved one eat nutritiously and stay healthy. Contact us today to learn more.