What does it mean to have food poisoning? Show If you have food poisoning, you might be wondering when you’re going to feel better. But there’s not just one answer because there are so many different kinds of food poisoning. According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 1 in 6 Americans get sick with food poisoning each year. Infants, children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk. Keep reading to learn more about how long food poisoning lasts, what the symptoms are, and when to seek medical attention. There are more than 250 types of food poisoning. Although the symptoms may be similar, the length of time it takes to get better differs, depending on:
In most cases, people recover within a day or two without needing medical care. Food poisoning can happen when you eat or drink something contaminated by any of the following:
Most of the time, food poisoning is an illness of your stomach and intestines. But it can affect other organs, too. These are the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States along with the foods associated with them:
If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, the most pressing concern is dehydration. But you may want to avoid food and fluids for a few hours. As soon as you are able, begin taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips. Besides water, you may also want to drink a rehydration solution. These solutions help replace electrolytes, which are the minerals in your body fluid that conduct electricity. They’re necessary for your body to function. Rehydration solutions are especially helpful for:
When you can eat solid food, begin with small amounts of bland foods that include:
You should avoid:
And be sure to take it easy and get plenty of rest until your symptoms subside. You should contact your doctor when you first experience symptoms if you:
If you’re taking diuretics and develop food poisoning, call your doctor and ask if it’s safe to stop using them. In general, you should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
You can prevent food poisoning in your home by following the basics of food safety: Clean
Separate
Cook
Chill
Keep reading: What to do if you get food poisoning while you’re pregnant » Can a foodborne illness last months?Sources include contaminated water or food and food touched by an infected food handler. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps, and a low fever. Symptoms begin in 2 - 10 days and may last for weeks or months.
Can food poisoning last 2 weeks?The symptoms of food poisoning caused by a parasite usually develop within 10 days of eating contaminated food, although sometimes it may be weeks before you feel unwell. If left untreated, the symptoms can last a long time – sometimes several weeks or even a few months.
Can food poisoning linger for months?But typically symptoms don't last longer than a few days. However, in some cases, the effects linger for weeks or months — even after a person is no longer vomiting or having severe symptoms after a bad bout with a virus or food poisoning.
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