What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
• Stomach pains • Vomiting • Nausea • Headaches • Fever • Diarrhoea How long can it last? The duration of illnesses is mostly short but some patients may not feel well for seven or more days. What should I do if I think I have food poisoning? Depending on how ill you are it may be necessary for you to visit your doctor. You may be required to submit a stool (faecal/motion) sample to determine the cause of your illness. If you are a food handler or work with elderly or vulnerable people then you should inform your employers immediately and not work until 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared. Your responsibilities as a food handler are detailed in the leaflet ‘Food Handlers: Fitness to Work’. If food poisoning is confirmed we will investigate. You may receive a visit or phone call from one of our officers so that clinical details, incubation periods and information about the foods eaten can be recorded. Leaflets are available to explain the main causes of food poisoning.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of food poisoning. Bacteria are responsible for most cases of food poisoning. Symptoms commonly include some or all of the following: • stomach cramps • diarrhoea • nausea • vomiting • fever Symptoms may last for days and in some cases weeks. Viruses in or on food cause symptoms similar to those for food poisoning caused by bacteria. The onset of symptoms is often explosive and can include “projectile” vomiting. They usually last for around 24 – 48 hours. Note: Some viruses which cause symptoms similar to or the same as those for food poisoning are not related to food. These viruses are usually spread person to person and food is not significant in the transmission or spread of the virus. Chemical food poisoning usually results in burning sensations in the chest, neck and abdomen. Some chemicals are extremely poisonous and if ingested may result in severe vomiting within a few minutes. Other chemicals ingested over prolonged periods of time may cause
