Q. I’ve been avoiding eating lettuce since hearing that people are getting sick from eating it. My best friend says I’m overreacting. Shouldn’t older adults be extra careful to avoid this new parasite?

A.  The news reports about this summer’s Cyclospora outbreak have certainly been scary. Hearing about so many people getting sick across the country, I don’t blame you for wanting to avoid certain foods altogether. You’re right to be concerned. The CDC says frequent, watery diarrhea is the most common symptom and older adults can be at more risk of becoming dehydrated. Illness can also last longer or be more severe in people with poor health or weakened immune systems. So, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know if you are experiencing this or any of the other symptoms, which include nausea and stomach cramps.

It’s okay to be cautious, but that doesn’t have to mean giving up certain foods. The Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) says residents shouldn’t avoid entire categories of fruits or vegetables unless public health officials identify a specific contaminated product, brand, grower, or supplier.

The good news is, although the outbreak is ongoing, the number of cases in Massachusetts has stayed close to what health officials typically see at this time of year. There are also things you can do to minimize the chances you’ll get sick from fresh fruits and vegetables. The MAHB has a list of habits to keep in mind in the kitchen – although scientists say washing alone won’t fully protect you from Cyclospora, so it’s worth knowing the symptoms and checking in with your doctor if they show up.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling fresh produce.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water before eating, cutting, or cooking.
• Scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Remove bruised or damaged portions.
• Put cut, peeled, or cooked produce in the refrigerator within two hours.
• Follow any product recall or food-specific warning issued by CDC, FDA, or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

You don’t have to choose between caution and your favorite salad. I hope you and your best friend continue to enjoy the foods you love while staying healthy this summer!

Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org. 

Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.