What You Should Know about Food Poisoning
In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 46 million people suffer from foodborne illness each year.
In most cases, patients can recover without being hospitalized. In rare cases, however, food poisoning may lead to serious health complications or even death.
What is food poisoning?
Food Poisoning occurs when you consume food or water that is contaminated.
Contaminants can include bacteria, viruses or parasites. They may enter food at any stage, from the farm to the table. The food does not usually change in appearance, taste or smell when contaminated.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
After consuming contaminated water or food, symptoms can develop anywhere between a few hours and a few day.
Symptoms of food poisoning include:
* diarrhea
* nausea
* vomiting
* Loss of appetite
* abdominal cramps
* mild fever
* headache
* weakness
These symptoms are usually not severe, and they resolve in a matter of days.
What Should I do?
If food poisoning is suspected, you should:
* Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
* Avoid caffeine, sugary drinks, and dairy products.
* When you can, eat bland and small meals.
* Remain as relaxed as possible.
Although over-the-counter drugs such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol may help nausea and diarrhea symptoms, remember that your body uses vomiting and diarrhea to get rid of contaminants. In the long term, suppressing these symptoms may not be beneficial.
What warning signs should I look for?
Food poisoning is usually self-resolving and does not require medical attention. Some warning signs can indicate a serious health problem.
Seek medical attention if you have any of the symptoms listed below:
* Bloody diarrhea
* High fever above 102degF
* Signs and symptoms of dehydration: dry mouth and throat, severe dryness in the mouth or throat, and dizziness
* You can’t drink liquids if you vomit frequently
* Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
You should also consult a doctor in the following situations:
You are pregnant
You must be 60 or older to use
* Your immune system is weakened
Your child or baby is sick
How can I prevent food poisoning?
You can reduce the risk of food-borne illness by taking some simple measures.
You Should:
* Always wash your hands thoroughly, with soap and warm water, for at least 20 second, especially before you eat, prepare food or use the bathroom.
* If you are sick, do not cook food for others.
* Before eating fruits, vegetables and uncooked food, wash them thoroughly.
* Cook meats, poultry and seafood at the correct temperature. Check the internal temperature of food using a food-thermometer.
* Prevent cross-contamination of food by keeping raw poultry, meat, seafood and eggs separate from other foods.
* Refrigerate food properly.
* Be aware of recalls and check expiration dates.
* Keep your kitchen clean, including the countertops, cutting board, dish towels, dishrags, sponges and sinks.
* Every day, clean all areas in which food is prepared, stored or consumed.
Most foodborne illnesses are caused by food that is prepared at home .
Maintaining excellent hygiene in your kitchen is the best way to protect yourself, your family and your guests from food poisoning.
