Food Poisoning

Key Points

Overview

Food poisoning is an illness that occurs after consuming food or drink contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Common culprits include bacteria like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli, or viruses such as Norovirus. Symptoms typically appear within hours to a few days of eating the contaminated food, though sometimes they can take weeks to manifest. While unpleasant, most cases are not serious and improve on their own. Management primarily involves self-care at home, focusing on rest and staying well-hydrated to prevent dehydration. In some cases, a pharmacist can offer advice or over-the-counter remedies, and severe symptoms may require urgent medical attention.

Signs and Symptoms

• Feeling sick or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Tummy pain
• High temperature
• Feeling generally unwell

Things That Increase the Risk

• Eating undercooked or reheated food
• Improper food storage (not chilled or frozen)
• Food left out too long
• Food handled by someone with poor hygiene
• Consuming food past its 'use by' date

Diagnosis

• Assessment of symptoms
• Review of recent food intake
• Medical history evaluation
• Stool sample analysis (in severe or persistent cases)

Treatment & Management

• Stay home and get plenty of rest
• Drink lots of fluids (water, squash)
• Continue breast or bottle feeding for babies
• Eat bland foods when feeling able
• Take paracetamol for discomfort
• Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks
• Use oral rehydration powders (pharmacist recommended)
• Medicine to stop diarrhea (for adults, not children under 12)

Prevention

• Cook and reheat food thoroughly
• Store food correctly (chill or freeze)
• Do not leave food out for extended periods
• Wash hands before handling food
• Always check 'use by' dates

Related Diseases

• Gastroenteritis
• Norovirus infection
• Salmonellosis
• E. coli infection
• Campylobacteriosis

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Food Poisoning: