Food poisoning is notorious for bringing a variety of unpleasant symptoms, but it can seem to come out of nowhere. So, what causes food poisoning? If someone in your household has food poisoning, are you at risk of contracting it? Find out what causes food poisoning and how to avoid it.
What Causes Food Poisoning
During the fall and winter months, there are a variety of illnesses that can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. However, unlike the norovirus (stomach flu), the flu, and other illnesses that have nausea and vomiting as potential symptoms, food poisoning is its own unique illness that is not transmittable from person to person like viral infections.
Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated foods. While food poisoning can be caused by a virus or bacteria, it is not transmitted from person to person. Instead, it occurs when someone consumes food that has grown bacteria or is carrying a virus due to improper preparation or storage. If two people consume the same contaminated food, then multiple people can get food poisoning. However, you do not have to worry about transmitting it because it is not contagious.
Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning
Unlike other gastrointestinal conditions such as heartburn or indigestion, symptoms of food poisoning typically start 1-3 days after consuming contaminated food. This delay in symptoms makes it difficult to pinpoint exactly where you may have been exposed to contaminated food. The symptoms of food poisoning can last anywhere between a few days and two weeks.
Common symptoms of food poisoning:
- Diahrrea
- Stomach Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Chills
Although food poisoning rarely requires medical intervention, it can cause severe dehydration which may require IV fluids. Patients with weakened immune systems such as children and the elderly may require medical intervention to stay hydrated.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
Food poisoning can bring a variety of unpleasant symptoms, however, it is not contagious meaning that it is not possible to catch it from direct contact with someone who has or recently had it. In fact, food poisoning is very easily preventable by following just a few food safety tips and tricks.
- Follow expiration dates on perishable foods such as meats and dairy products
- Ensure food is stored properly in the fridge or freezer
- Do not consume leftovers after 5 days in the fridge
- Do not consume any products that arrive damaged or partially thawed
- Ensure you are cooking foods all the way through by using a meat thermometer
When food is improperly stored, it can grow bacteria or harbor viruses that can make you sick when consumed. Cooking your food all the way through and using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the food will ensure that those contaminants are killed during the cooking process, making the food safe to eat. You can reference this guide regarding the proper internal temperatures to ensure food safety.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy for Same-Day Illness Diagnosis & Treatment Near Perth Amboy, NJ
When you’re feeling under the weather, you want to feel better fast. AFC Urgent Care Perth Amboy offers same-day healthcare without the need for an appointment near Perth Amboy, NJ, and the surrounding communities. Our medical providers are board-certified and able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of illnesses. Simply walk into our clinic for fast medical treatment when you need it, or schedule an appointment online.
We accept most major insurance plans so that you can get the care that you need exactly when you need it. We also offer low-cost treatment options for patients paying for their care out of pocket. Our clinic is conveniently located in Perth Amboy, NJ, and offers short wait times, so walk in today. For additional information regarding our clinic, contact us directly.
