Swallowing a fly is generally not a cause for major concern.
What Happens When You Swallow a Fly?
While the idea might be unpleasant, accidentally swallowing a fly is unlikely to make you sick. Here's why:
- Flies Are Not Inherently Harmful: As stated by the reference, flies themselves are fairly clean.
- Potential Microorganism Transmission: The worry stems from where flies have been. Flies often walk on and feed on things that are not clean, and in doing so, they can pick up microorganisms. These microorganisms could be transferred to you when you swallow a fly.
Why You Probably Won't Get Sick
Despite the potential for contamination, several factors minimize the risk:
- Stomach Acid: Your stomach contains powerful acids that are designed to kill most ingested bacteria and viruses, including any that a fly may be carrying.
- Your Immune System: Your body's immune system is also quite capable of fighting off small amounts of bacteria and microorganisms.
- Limited Exposure: One swallowed fly is unlikely to carry enough of any harmful microorganisms to overcome your natural defenses.
When to Seek Help
Though rare, there are a few things to watch out for:
- Signs of Infection: If you develop signs of an infection such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after swallowing a fly, consult a doctor.
- Allergic Reaction: If you have a known allergy to insects, be mindful of any allergic symptoms.
| Issue | Likelihood | Concern Level |
|---|---|---|
| Getting Sick | Low | Minor |
| Infection | Very Low | Moderate |
| Allergic Reaction | Rare | High (if applicable) |
In conclusion, while swallowing a fly is not a pleasant experience, it's usually harmless. Your body is generally well-equipped to handle such situations.
