How many days does food poisoning last?

Food poisoning is illness from contaminated food or drink. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever may occur. The direction of change matters: fewer episodes, better energy, and the ability to drink are reassuring. Intensifying symptoms, poor hydration, or symptoms returning after improvement should be discussed with a clinician. See [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) and [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/).

Sip water regularly; [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) can replace fluid and salts lost through loose stools. Eat when able, choosing modest portions, and rest. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate, wash hands with soap, and record vomiting, stools, drinking, and urination.

Contact a healthcare professional if illness is not clearly improving or you cannot maintain drinks. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, bloody stool, blood in vomit, fainting, confusion, or very little urine. Pregnancy, young age, older age, or medical vulnerability calls for earlier advice. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) may help when oral replacement is insufficient.

Ask which changes should alter your plan, how to replace fluids safely, whether medicines are appropriate, and whether testing or follow-up is needed.