What should you know about bacterial food poisoning symptoms?

Bacteria or toxins in contaminated food can inflame the digestive tract. Symptoms may include sudden nausea, cramping abdominal pain, loose stools, vomiting, fever, chills, or feeling weak. The timing can vary according to the organism and the food involved, and several other illnesses can produce a similar pattern. Symptoms alone do not identify the exact cause.

The most useful details for assessment are when symptoms started, what you ate, whether anyone else became ill, how often you are vomiting or passing stool, and whether you can keep fluids down. A clinician may decide whether testing or treatment is needed.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution. Oral Rehydration Therapy can help replace fluid and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhoea. Rest, wash your hands thoroughly, and avoid preparing food for other people while symptoms continue. Choose light foods when you feel able, and avoid alcohol.

Do not use antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without advice, because the right choice depends on the suspected infection and your symptoms. Severe dehydration may require IV Fluid Therapy.

Get urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, very little urine, severe weakness, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, or inability to drink. Seek advice promptly for a high fever, symptoms that are worsening, or illness in a baby, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a serious medical condition.

Ask whether you need testing, how to choose fluids, which medicines are safe, when to return to normal food, and how long you should avoid preparing food for others.