Summer is the time for picnics and social gatherings. This brings about an increased chance of food poisoning — vomiting and/or diarrhea brought on by eating contaminated food.
The most common form of food poisoning is from infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. When eating out, these organisms can contaminate food at any point during its production or processing. More commonly, contamination can occur in the home if the food is improperly handled, incorrectly cooked or inadequately stored.
Food poisoning usually occurs from improperly handled or cooked chicken products, raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, or from food that has been cooked and left unrefrigerated for too long, especially at buffets and outdoor picnics.
Simple steps to prevent food poisoning:
- Wash hands, utensils and food prep surfaces frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
- Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook foods to a safe temperature.
- Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly.
- When in doubt, throw it out.
Signs and symptoms of food poisoning may start within hours or one to two days after eating the contaminated food.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. The vomiting and diarrhea are the body’s way of eliminating the contaminated food. These same symptoms are also associated with the much more common “stomach flu,” which is caused by a virus and passed from human to human and is best prevented by good hygiene.
There is no easy method to differentiate between food poisoning and common stomach flu, other than if more than one person comes down with vomiting and/or diarrhea after eating a common meal, then food poisoning is the probable culprit.
Fortunately, the symptoms of either food poisoning or of stomach flu are mild and often resolve themselves without treatment.
The best treatment for food poisoning is to let it run its course. In most cases, once the body rids itself of the contaminated food, the symptoms dissipate. For this reason, anti-diarrhea medicine is not recommended because it may slow down the healing process. If diarrhea must be controlled because of travel plans or work responsibilities, then an over-the-counter medication such as Immodium may be helpful.
The main goal of treatment is to replace lost body fluids to prevent dehydration. This can be done by drinking lots of liquids, such as electrolyte drinks for adults or Pedialyte for children. A proven method to help prevent dehydration in spite of repeated vomiting is to take frequent small sips of clear liquids until the vomiting stops.
An effective natural remedy for nausea and mild vomiting is the use of ginger. Check with your pharmacist.
When to seek medical attention:
- Inability to keep any liquids down for more than 6 to 8 hours.
- No urine production for 6 to 8 hours.
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
- Blood in vomit or diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Severe abdominal pain.
Keep these tips in mind, and have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Terry Hollenbeck, M.D., is an urgent-care physician at Santa Cruz Medical Foundation in Scotts Valley. A doctor with 34 years’ experience, he invites health-related questions at [email protected]. Information in this column is not intended to replace professional advice. For any medical concern, consult a qualified practitioner.
