Side effects of food poisoning

Foodborne germs or toxins can irritate the stomach and bowel. This may cause sudden nausea, vomiting, watery or frequent stools, cramping and fever. Losing fluid and salts can lead to thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, weakness or dizziness. Symptoms can overlap with other infections, and the timing, severity and presence of fever help a clinician assess the cause. Blood in stool, severe pain or symptoms that are not settling need medical review rather than home treatment alone.

Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink, especially after vomiting or diarrhoea. Eat small, plain meals when you can and rest. Wash hands carefully and avoid preparing food for other people while unwell. Do not take anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medicines without advice, particularly if you have fever or blood in the stool. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when dehydration is significant or fluids cannot stay down.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe or localised abdominal pain, blood or black material in vomit or stool, repeated vomiting, inability to drink, very little urine, breathing difficulty or marked weakness. Get medical advice for persistent fever, diarrhoea that is worsening, or illness in a young child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a serious long-term condition.

Ask whether you need testing, how to replace fluids, which medicines are safe, and when you can return to work or prepare food. Tell the clinician what you ate, when symptoms began, how often you have vomited or passed stool, and whether anyone else became ill.