Frequent food poisoning: what should you know?

Food poisoning can follow contaminated food or drink and may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. Separate episodes may come from different exposures, but similar attacks can also be confused with intolerance, medication effects, or another digestive condition. Note what you ate, where it came from, when symptoms began, and whether anyone else became ill.

Take frequent small sips of fluid and consider oral rehydration therapy when losses are significant. Eat light foods as appetite returns, rest, and wash hands carefully. Avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. A clinician may recommend testing or treatment when episodes recur, blood is present, symptoms are severe, or a vulnerable person is affected.

Get urgent help for fainting, confusion, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, or marked weakness. Seek prompt advice for a young child, older adult, pregnancy, or weakened immunity. IV fluid therapy may be needed when dehydration cannot be corrected by drinking.

Ask whether stool testing, medication review, or a diet assessment is appropriate, and which signs should send you to urgent care during the next episode.