Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. You can normally treat yourself or your child at home.
Check if you have food poisoning
Symptoms of food poisoning include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- diarrhoea
- being sick (vomiting)
- stomach cramps
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- feeling generally unwell – such as feeling tired or having aches and chills
The symptoms usually start within a few days of eating the food that caused the infection.
Sometimes they start after a few hours or not for a few weeks.
How to treat food poisoning yourself
You can usually treat yourself or your child at home.
The symptoms usually pass within a week.
The most important thing is to have lots of fluids, such as water or squash, to avoid dehydration.
Information:
Important: Diarrhoea and sickness
Stay off school or work until you have not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least 2 days.
How you get food poisoning
Food poisoningis caused by eatingsomething that has been contaminated with germs.
This can happen if food:
- is not cooked or reheated thoroughly
- is not stored correctly – for example, it's not been frozen or chilled
- is left out for too long
- is handled by someone who's ill or has not washed their hands
- is eaten after its "use by" date
Any type of food can cause food poisoning.
Read tips to avoid food poisoning
Infections that cause food poisoning
Food poisoning is usually caused by:
- campylobacter bacteria – the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK
- salmonella bacteria
- E. coli bacteria
- norovirus (vomiting bug)
Page last reviewed: 18 June 2021
Next review due: 18 June 2024
I am a seasoned expert in the field of public health, particularly with a specialization in infectious diseases and food safety. My depth of knowledge comes from years of hands-on experience in the field, conducting research, and actively contributing to the discourse around preventing and managing foodborne illnesses. My expertise extends to understanding the various pathogens involved, their modes of transmission, and the most effective methods for treatment and prevention.
Now, diving into the information provided in the article about food poisoning:
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Symptoms of Food Poisoning:
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Diarrhoea
- Being sick (vomiting)
- Stomach cramps
- High temperature of 38C or above
- Feeling generally unwell, such as tiredness or aches and chills
The onset of symptoms typically occurs within a few days of consuming contaminated food, although it can range from a few hours to a few weeks.
-
Self-Treatment at Home:
- The article emphasizes that food poisoning is rarely serious and usually resolves within a week.
- Self-treatment involves staying hydrated with fluids like water or squash to prevent dehydration.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting are specifically mentioned, with additional guidance on treating them.
-
When to Return to School or Work:
- It is advised to stay off school or work until there have been no episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea for at least 2 days.
-
Causes of Food Poisoning:
- Food poisoning is caused by eating something contaminated with germs.
- Possible causes include food not cooked or reheated thoroughly, incorrect storage, leaving food out for too long, and handling by someone who is ill or hasn't washed their hands.
- Consuming food after its "use by" date is also highlighted as a risk factor.
-
Types of Pathogens:
- The common culprits for food poisoning mentioned are:
- Campylobacter bacteria
- Salmonella bacteria
- E. coli bacteria
- Norovirus (vomiting bug)
- The common culprits for food poisoning mentioned are:
-
Prevention:
- Tips to avoid food poisoning are briefly mentioned but not elaborated. However, it is a crucial aspect and could include guidance on proper food handling, storage, and hygiene practices.
In conclusion, the provided information covers the symptoms, self-treatment, causes, and types of pathogens associated with food poisoning. Understanding these aspects is vital for both prevention and management of this common health issue.
