What is the most common type of food poisoning?

Food poisoning follows food or drink contaminated with germs or their toxins. Symptoms can begin soon after eating or later, depending on the cause. Nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever are common. Several people who shared a meal may become unwell, but one person can also be affected. The main short-term concern is loss of fluid and salts, especially when vomiting and diarrhoea happen together.

Take small, frequent sips of water or Oral Rehydration Therapy, particularly after each loose stool or episode of vomiting. Rest and return gradually to simple foods when appetite returns. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for others while unwell, and clean shared bathroom surfaces. Do not use leftover antibiotics or medicines that stop diarrhoea without advice, because the right choice depends on the cause and your symptoms.

Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, fainting, confusion, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, or a high fever with worsening illness. Contact a clinician if you cannot keep fluids down, diarrhoea continues, symptoms follow travel, or you are pregnant, older, or have a condition that increases dehydration risk. Some people need IV Fluid Therapy when drinking cannot replace losses.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Food Poisoning, how to use Oral Rehydration Therapy, whether testing is needed, and what signs would mean you need IV Fluid Therapy.