Food poisoning

Updated: 2024-01-09

Description

A sickness that people get from something they ate or drank.

Overview

Food poisoning is caused by germs or other harmful substances called contaminants in foods or drinks. Food can become contaminated any place it's handled, including at home. Risk factors at home include poor hand-washing, dirty kitchen tools or surfaces, and food being left out too long at room temperature.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of food poisoning include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea with or without bloody stools, stomach pain and cramps, fever, and headache. Less often, food poisoning affects the nervous system and can cause serious symptoms such as blurred vision and trouble moving limbs.

Treatments

Treatment for food poisoning depends on how serious the symptoms are and what caused the illness. Most often, the symptoms get better on their own within 48 hours. But medicine may be needed to treat food poisoning caused by germs or parasites. Fluids may be given through a vein to treat dehydration.