What should you know about possible food poisoning?

Food poisoning is an illness caused by harmful germs or toxins in food or drink. Symptoms may begin soon after a meal or later, depending on the cause. Nausea, vomiting, loose stools and cramping are common patterns; fever can also occur. A shared meal does not prove the source, because people can become ill at different times and similar symptoms may come from a stomach virus, medicine or another condition. The main short-term concern is losing more fluid than you can replace.

Take frequent small sips of water or oral rehydration therapy, particularly after vomiting or diarrhoea. Rest and return to light foods as tolerated. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for other people while unwell, and keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separate. Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medicines or antibiotics without advice, because the right choice depends on symptoms and cause. Keep a note of when symptoms began and what you ate if assessment is needed.

Seek urgent help for severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting that prevents drinking, faintness, confusion, very little urine, breathing difficulty or marked weakness. Get medical advice promptly for persistent fever, symptoms that are not settling, or illness in a young child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a serious long-term condition. IV fluid therapy may be needed when dehydration is significant.

Ask how much fluid to take, whether testing is needed, which foods or medicines to avoid, how to protect household contacts, and which changes mean you should return urgently.