Food poisoning temperature: what to know

Food poisoning can trigger fever as the immune system responds to germs or toxins. Fever may occur with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain. A normal reading does not rule out food poisoning, and a fever does not identify which food caused it. Watch the overall pattern, including whether you can drink, pass urine, and stay alert.

Rest and take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution; Oral Rehydration Therapy can replace fluid and salts lost through vomiting or diarrhoea. Wear light clothing and avoid alcohol. Eat bland foods when appetite returns. Follow label directions for any fever medicine and check with a pharmacist if you are pregnant, treating a child, or have liver, kidney, or stomach problems.

Seek urgent medical help if fever occurs with confusion, fainting, severe weakness, trouble breathing, a stiff neck, a seizure, blood in stool or vomit, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange prompt assessment if dehydration signs develop, such as very little urine, a dry mouth, dizziness, or worsening drowsiness. IV Fluid Therapy may be considered when drinking is not enough.

Ask which temperature method is most useful, whether your medicines are suitable, and what changes should prompt reassessment. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, what you ate, your highest recorded reading, and how much you have been drinking.