How to treat food poisoning in adults

Food poisoning is an illness caused by contaminated food or drink. It may bring nausea, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal cramps or fever. See [Food Poisoning](/conditions/food-poisoning/) for the condition overview, and use the symptom pages for [Diarrhoea](/symptoms/diarrhoea/), [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) or [Abdominal Pain](/symptoms/abdominal-pain/). Fluid loss can become more concerning when drinking is difficult or symptoms continue.

Take frequent small sips of water, broth or an [Oral Rehydration Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/oral-rehydration-therapy/) solution. If vomiting follows a large drink, pause briefly and restart with smaller sips. Eat light foods when ready, such as rice, bread, soup or bananas, and avoid alcohol and foods that clearly worsen symptoms. Rest, wash hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food for others while ill, and clean contaminated bathroom surfaces. Do not use anti-diarrhoeal medicine if you have blood in the stool or fever without medical advice.

Seek urgent care for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little urine, inability to keep fluids down, blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, or a high or persistent [Fever](/symptoms/fever/). A clinician may recommend [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) when dehydration cannot be corrected by mouth. Seek advice sooner during pregnancy or with significant kidney, heart or immune problems.

Ask which fluids are suitable, whether medicine is safe with your symptoms, how long to stay away from food preparation, and what signs of dehydration you should monitor.