What should you know about food poisoning?

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramps, and fever. They may begin soon after eating or later, depending on the contaminant. The illness can affect one person or several people who shared a meal, but symptoms alone cannot identify the exact cause.

The immediate concern is fluid and salt loss, especially when vomiting and diarrhoea happen together. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with long-term conditions may need earlier medical advice.

Sip water or oral rehydration fluid frequently, rest, and eat small amounts of plain food when you feel able. Wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not take leftover antibiotics; treatment depends on the cause and your clinical assessment. Severe dehydration may require IV fluid therapy.

Seek urgent care for blood in stool or vomit, severe or localised abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, persistent vomiting, very little urine, or difficulty keeping fluids down. Get prompt advice for a high or ongoing fever, symptoms after eating potentially unsafe food, or illness in someone medically vulnerable.

Ask whether you need testing, which rehydration drink is appropriate, how to manage medicines during vomiting or diarrhoea, when you can return to work or school, and how to protect household members. Note what you ate, when symptoms began, and whether others became ill.