Immediate food poisoning care

Food poisoning is an illness caused by contaminated food or drink. It may irritate the stomach and bowel, leading to diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or fever. The combination of fluid loss and difficulty drinking is the main early concern. Symptoms can vary between people, and a symptom alone cannot confirm the cause.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. When appetite returns, choose light foods you tolerate and avoid alcohol, very fatty meals, and foods that worsen symptoms. Wash hands carefully, clean bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while unwell. Do not start antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without medical advice, particularly if you have fever or blood in the stool. Oral Rehydration Therapy may be recommended when fluid and salts need replacing.

Seek urgent medical advice for blood in vomit or stool, severe or localised abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. A high fever, worsening weakness, or diarrhoea that is not settling also warrants assessment. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a long-term illness can become dehydrated more quickly. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when drinking cannot replace lost fluid.

Ask which rehydration drink is appropriate, whether your medicines should be paused or adjusted, and what symptoms would require a same-day review. Tell the clinician when symptoms began and whether anyone else who ate the same food is ill.