What should you know about slight food poisoning?

Food Poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and sometimes fever. Symptoms may begin after contaminated food or drink, but timing varies, so a meal immediately before symptoms is not always the source. The illness can be mild when you can drink, pass urine and remain alert.

The key concern is fluid and salt loss. Abdominal pain may be crampy, while severe or localised pain needs a different assessment. Fever, blood in stool or persistent vomiting changes the level of concern.

Take frequent small sips of water or Oral Rehydration Therapy, especially after vomiting or loose stools. When appetite returns, choose simple foods and avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Wash hands carefully, avoid preparing food for others while unwell and keep separate towels if possible. Do not start antibiotics or anti-diarrhoeal medicine without advice.

Contact a clinician for blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, high or persistent fever, worsening diarrhoea, very little urine, dizziness or unusual drowsiness. Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with significant medical conditions can become dehydrated more quickly. IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when drinking cannot replace losses. Seek emergency care for collapse, confusion or severe weakness.

Ask which fluids are suitable, whether a medicine is safe for you, what symptoms suggest dehydration, and whether testing or treatment is needed based on recent travel, shared meals or medical conditions.