Food Poisoning
Know the signs, risks and treatment options to help you feel better.
Food poisoning is an illness that irritates your digestive system. You’re at risk when your food or beverage is contaminated with a virus, bacteria, toxin or parasite.
What causes food poisoning?
Food poisoning is most often caused by a virus, bacteria, parasite or toxin. These germs enter your digestive system when you eat contaminated food or beverages. Improper food handling is a major cause of food poisoning.
When consumed, contaminated food can wreak havoc on your gastrointestinal tract. This can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms. However, food poisoning generally passes quickly, and there are treatments to help you through it.
Common Food Poisoning Symptoms Include:
Symptoms vary depending on the cause of the illness and can start between 30 minutes & two weeks of eating contaminated food. The severity of symptoms can differ based on which virus or bacteria was involved. If you’re experiencing any severe symptoms listed below, seek medical attention ASAP.
Common Symptoms
Nausea & Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach Pains
Stomach Cramps
Fever
Headache
Severe Symptoms
Blurred or Double Vision
Loss of Movement in Limbs
Neurological Changes
Skin Tingling
Numbness
Fever of 103° F or higher
Preventing Food Poisoning
Safe food handling and making mindful choices can reduce your risk of illness.
Wash Your Hands
Frequently wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet, changing diapers, eating and for any food preparation.
Always Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Wash your fruits and vegetables before preparation and before eating them to avoid any bacteria or pesticides.
Properly Cook Meat
The USDA recommends the following meat temp:
Cuts of pork, beef, veal & lamb: 145° F
Ground pork, beef, veal & lamb: 160° F
Poultry: 165° F
Raw Meat Food Prep
Use separate cutting boards and plates while keeping raw meats away from other foods in the refrigerator. Remember to bag your raw meat at the grocery store.
Refrigerate & Freeze
Refrigerate food within 2 hours of purchase and keep it below 40° F. Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave – never the counter.
How to Treat Food Poisoning at Home
Food poisoning can come quickly, but passes fairly quickly as well. Recover from food poisoning at home with these guidelines.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
It’s important to replenish the loss of salts and electrolytes from your body, including clear broths or products like Pedialyte and Gatorade. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks and caffeine.
Eat Gentle Foods
Once your stomach has settled, you can try eating foods that are gentle on your digestive system. Plain toast, saltine crackers, bananas and plain rice are a few suggestions.
Prescribed Medications
Antibiotics or prescription medications can help if advised by your medical provider. Over-the-counter medications can also help manage symptoms, but check with your provider first.
Need a Food Poisoning Diagnosis or Treatment?
If you suspect you have food poisoning and would like help diagnosing and treating your symptoms, check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
When Adults Should See a Doctor
Visit a WellNow Urgent Care Center or their primary care physician for the following symptoms:
Neurological changes
Fever of 103° F
Persistent vomiting
Diarrhea that lasts more than three days
Dehydration symptoms such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or little to no urination.
When Infants & Children Should Seek Medical Attention
Call a WellNow Urgent Care or doctor if your child’s vomiting & diarrhea come with any of the following:
Neurological changes
Any fever in children under 2 years of age
Fever of 102° F or higher in older children
Persistent vomiting
Diarrhea that lasts more than one day
Dark stools
Severe stomach pain
Dehydration symptoms such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, or little to no urination.
The most common sources of food poisoning are:
Contaminated foods and beverages can carry harmful bacteria or toxins. Oftentimes there’s no way to know until it’s too late.
Bacteria
Listeria from unwashed produce
E. coli from raw or undercooked meat and/or unwashed produce
Campylobacter from undercooking
Salmonella from undercooking
Staphylococcus from unrefrigerated food
Shigella from untreated water or foods contaminated by an infected person
Toxins
Ciguatera (produced by algae) from contaminated reef fish
Botulism (produced by bacteria) from damaged canned goods
Illnesses We Treat
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