During the holidays, cases of food-borne illnesses increase. Food poisoning is a common condition that can occur from consuming undercooked or improperly stored food. Food poisoning is not contagious, however, it can affect anyone who consumes the same contaminated food. Food poisoning can cause unpleasant symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, fevers, and more. However, symptoms tend to be short-lived and only last a couple of days.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of food poisoning, AFC Bound Brook can help. Our walk-in clinic offers same-day care for patients in Bound Brook, NJ, and the surrounding areas. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day symptom diagnosis and treatment!
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated foods. Contaminated foods grow bacteria which can cause havoc on your gut. You may not know that the food that you’re eating is contaminated. Food that is improperly stored or not fully cooked leaves you susceptible to getting sick. Food poisoning symptoms often begin hours after exposure.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Loss of appetite
How Long Do Food Poisoning Symptoms Last?
Food poisoning symptoms tend to appear quickly and can be intense. However, in most mild cases, symptoms will resolve within 24 hours. However, certain bacteria can cause much more severe and long-lasting symptoms. In severe cases, food poisoning symptoms can last up to 2 weeks. How long your symptoms last will depend on what kind of bacteria or virus your food was contaminated with. Certain kinds of pathogens can cause more severe illness, while others are short-lived.
Viral Infections
Food poisoning caused by viral infections is very common. Norovirus is the most common viral infection that can affect your food. Symptoms of a norovirus infection typically appear within 12-24 hours after eating contaminated foods. Symptoms of food poisoning caused by a viral infection tend to be short-lived and resolve within 3 days without medical treatment.
Bacterial Infections
There are many different bacterial infections that can occur due to improper food handling. A common example of a bacteria linked to food poisoning is E Coli. Symptoms from a bacterial infection tend to be much more severe. They can appear anywhere from hours to weeks after eating contaminated foods and symptoms can last weeks. Bacterial infections may require medical treatment to resolve.
Food Poisoning Prevention Tips
Although you may not know that the food you’re eating is contaminated, food poisoning is preventable by following some basic food safety tips and tricks. When at home, always be sure to follow the storage instructions for foods, especially perishable foods like dairy or meat products. When in doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, throw it out. Smelling it can help you determine if it is rancid, however, spoiled food may not always smell rotten. Be sure to follow cooking instructions for any meat or seafood and use a meat thermometer to be sure that all bacteria have been killed. Similarly, when you eat at a restaurant, order your meat well done to prevent contamination.
Treatment for Food Poisoning in Bound Brook, NJ
Although food poisoning is a very common condition, it can be dangerous. Food poisoning can cause severe dehydration which can cause organ damage. Food poisoning is especially dangerous for immunocompromised individuals as well as the elderly and young children whose immune systems may be too weak to fight off the infection causing their symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, it is important to seek medical care. Your medical provider will be able to provide essential support like anti-nausea medications and fluids to rehydrate your body.
Walk Into AFC Bound Brook for Same-Day Illness Symptom Treatment in Bound Brook, NJ
If you’re experiencing food poisoning symptoms that don’t go away within 24 hours, you may need to seek medical treatment. At AFC Urgent Care Bound Brook, our medical providers are board-certified, making our clinic a convenient alternative to the ER for mild illnesses like food poisoning. Simply walk into the clinic for same-day care. We’re open daily, including weekends, and accept walk-in patients. Walk-in today!
