Most cases of listeria infection remain in the digestive system (non-invasive listeriosis) and symptoms usually pass within three days.
Painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, which are available over the counter from pharmacies, can be used to help relieve the symptoms of muscle pain and fever.
Diarrhoea and vomiting
If you have diarrhoea, it's very important that you drink plenty of fluids to replace those that have been lost. Read more about the treatment of diarrhoea.
If you feel that you can't eat – for example, because you feel sick or you're being sick, it shouldn't do you any harm. Make sure that you continue drinking fluids, and eat as soon as you can. Eat small, light meals. Avoid fatty, spicy or heavy foods. Read more about the treatment of gastroenteritis.
Contact your GP if your symptoms don't improve within a few days.
Invasive listeriosis
Invasive listeriosis is where the infection spreads into the blood (septicaemia) or the central nervous system.
If you have invasive listeriosis, you'll be admitted to hospital so that you can be given injections of antibiotics (intravenous antibiotics) while your health is carefully monitored.
You may be given intravenous ampicillin/amoxicillin and/or gentamicin.
The length of time that you'll need to spend in hospital will depend on whether the infection has spread from your blood or nervous system to other organs, such as your brain.
Most people with invasive listeriosis require at least two weeks of treatment with intravenous antibiotics. However, in the most serious cases, at least six weeks of treatment may be needed.
Listeriosis in infants
Treatment for listeriosis in infants is the same as that for adults, although it's usually recommended that infants are kept in an intensive care unit (ICU) as a precaution.
Listeriosis in pregnancy
If you develop listeriosis during pregnancy, you'll be given antibiotics to help prevent the infection spreading to your baby. You may also be given additional ultrasound scans to assess the health of your baby.
