How long do food poisoning symptoms last?

Foodborne illness can affect the stomach, small bowel or colon, and different germs and toxins provoke different patterns. [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) may settle before [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), while cramping or tiredness can linger as the bowel recovers. Symptoms that are not easing, return after improvement, or are joined by [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) deserve attention. Duration by itself cannot confirm food poisoning, because other digestive conditions can look similar.

Drink often in small amounts, using [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) when losses are substantial. Resume food gradually and choose items that feel easy to tolerate. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, and avoid preparing food for other people while symptoms continue. Write down the start time, symptom changes, fluid intake and urine output so a clinician can see whether recovery is progressing.

Arrange medical advice if symptoms are not clearly improving, keep recurring, or interfere with drinking and daily activity. Seek urgent care for blood in stool or vomit, severe or localised abdominal pain, fainting, confusion, very little urine, or inability to keep liquids down. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic illness should have a lower threshold for assessment. [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) can replace fluid when oral intake fails.

Ask what duration is expected for your symptom pattern, whether another cause should be considered, and how long to continue rehydration measures.