Food poisoning from prawns: symptoms

Prawns can become unsafe if raw, undercooked, poorly chilled, or handled near ready-to-eat foods. Symptoms may affect several people who shared a meal, but one person can be ill alone. Stomach symptoms are not specific to prawns, so timing and the full pattern matter. See [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/), [Nausea](/symptoms/nausea/), and [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) for related information.

Drink small, frequent sips and pause briefly if vomiting makes drinking difficult. An oral rehydration drink can replace water and salts more effectively than relying only on plain water. Eat when hungry, choosing foods you tolerate, and avoid alcohol. Wash hands carefully and discard suspicious prawns without tasting them. [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) provides practical fluid support.

Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, fainting, confusion, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep liquids down. Those allergic features need urgent attention and are different from ordinary stomach upset. Contact a clinician for persistent [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), worsening [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), or signs of dehydration such as very little urine. Severe dehydration may require [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/).

Ask whether your symptoms fit infection, allergy, or another cause, and whether testing is needed. Explain whether the prawns were raw, cooked, chilled, or part of a mixed dish, and report any rash or breathing change.