Food Poisoning Signs
Food poisoning is a common illness that generally produces mild symptoms that present themselves within the first 48 hours of contamination. It is a gastrointestinal disorder that is caused by eating contaminated foods or drinks. Although it is rare, severe cases of food poisoning can be deadly if left untreated.
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Mild Symptoms
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Mild symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomach cramps, lack of appetite, fever and fatigue. Dr. John P. Cunha and Dr. Melissa C. Stoppler state that "these symptoms may affect one person or a group of people who ate the same thing (called an outbreak)." Norovirus, a form of viral food poisoning, often manifests itself through these symptoms. It is transmitted through foods like vegetables and shellfish that are contaminated through contact with feces.
Severe Symptoms
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Severe food poisoning can produce bloody stools, dehydration, damage to the nervous system, fever and chills. Two causes of severe food poisoning symptoms are rotavirus and Escherichia coli, or E. coli. Rotavirus is passed from one person to another through contact with feces. According to Cunha and Stoppler, E. coli "is transmitted by eating raw or undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized milk or juices, or contaminated well water."
At-Risk Populations
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that "after eating contaminated food, people can develop anything from a short, mild illness, often mistakenly referred to as 'food poisoning,' to life-threatening disease. The CDC estimates that 76 million Americans get sick, more than 300,000 are hospitalized, and 5,000 people die from foodborne illnesses each year." People with compromised immune systems--such as the elderly, children and pregnant women--are at a higher risk of getting food poisoning.
When To See A Doctor
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If symptoms persist for more than two days or vomiting becomes severe, you should seek medical attention immediately. If a child under the age of 3 becomes sick with food poisoning, you should contact your physician at the onset of symptoms. If you are unable to keep down any fluids, see a doctor to avoid the risk of dehydration.
Considerations
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To avoid the risk of food poisoning, you should make sure you wash your hands thoroughly, along with any cooking utensils. Clean cooking surfaces with antibacterial cleaners. Keep raw foods away from other foods that you are preparing. Use a thermometer to make sure meat is cooked to the proper temperature. Use your refrigerator or microwave to thaw out food. Following these tips can help prevent food from becoming contaminated.
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