What are the symptoms of food poisoning, and when is medical care needed?
Food poisoning may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps or fever. Symptoms can begin within hours, days or longer depending on the cause; the last meal is not always responsible. Dehydration, blood in stools or inability to keep fluids down needs prompt assessment.
Details
Replace fluids first
Take small frequent sips if vomiting is troublesome. Use oral rehydration solution according to its instructions when needed, particularly with fluid losses. Infants and children need age-appropriate advice; continue usual breast milk or formula as directed.
Antibiotics are not automatic
Many cases improve without antibiotics; prescribing depends on the cause and severity. Do not use antidiarrhoeal medicines for bloody stools or fever without assessment, or give adult medicines to a child yourself.
Warning signs
Seek care for reduced urine, dizziness, repeated vomiting, high fever or diarrhoea lasting more than three days. Pregnant people, older adults, young children and people with weakened immunity should seek advice earlier. Breathing difficulty or sudden neurological weakness is an emergency.
Related reading: How does rotavirus differ from other causes of viral diarrhoea in children?.