How long does food poisoning last?

Foodborne illness irritates the digestive tract and may cause nausea, cramps, loose stools, vomiting, or fever. Symptoms can ease in stages: vomiting may stop first, while appetite and bowel habits take more time to return. A longer course does not identify the exact germ by itself. Note what you ate, when symptoms began, whether anyone else became ill, and whether you can keep fluids down. See [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/), [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), and [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/).

Take frequent small sips of water or [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/). When nausea settles, try modest portions and rest. Avoid preparing food for others while vomiting or having diarrhoea, wash hands carefully, and clean shared bathroom surfaces.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are not easing or prevent normal drinking. Seek urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, or very little urine. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with significant illness may need advice sooner. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may be considered when fluids cannot be replaced by mouth.

Ask whether your pattern fits food poisoning, whether testing is needed, which fluids or medicines suit you, and when it is safe to return to work, school, cooking, or close contact.