Food poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus

The illness results from toxins already present in food rather than from bacteria multiplying inside the gut alone. Symptoms can therefore begin abruptly, often with prominent nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, or diarrhoea. Fever may be absent or mild. The exact cause cannot be confirmed from symptoms alone, and other foodborne illnesses can look similar. A clinician may consider the timing, shared meals, severity, and whether other people became ill.

Rest and replace losses with frequent small sips of water or Oral Rehydration Therapy. Pause solid foods during active vomiting, then restart with simple foods when your stomach settles. Wash hands with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and avoid preparing meals for others while unwell. Keep details of the suspected food and when it was handled or eaten. Antibiotics do not remove toxins already in food, so do not self-start them.

Obtain urgent care for inability to keep fluids down, faintness, confusion, very little urine, severe weakness, blood in vomit or stool, or severe abdominal pain. A persistent fever or symptoms that worsen instead of easing also warrant medical review. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with reduced immunity or other major conditions should seek advice sooner because fluid loss can become serious.

Does my timing fit toxin-related food poisoning? Do I need stool testing? How should I replace fluids? Could any medicine make vomiting or diarrhoea worse?