Food Poisoning
What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness or infection that can be caused by eating food which has been contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites and toxins. Food poisoning can occur from eating food which is undercooked or prepared by someone who does not wash their hands after using the toilet. Food poisoning can be very serious or even fatal if the condition is not treated quickly. There are many different types of food poisoning, some common ones include; salmonella, E. coli, and norovirus.
Cases Annually in The US
0
M
Hospitalizations
0
K
Deaths
0
+
What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
Symptoms of food poisoning can take up to 48 hours to develop. Since the symptoms are mild at first, most people don’t realize that they have food poisoning until they begin to show more intense signs of infection. If you or someone you know has eaten contaminated food and begins experiencing symptoms of foodborne illness, seek medical attention immediately.
Causes of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is usually caused by food contaminated with bacteria (such as Staphylococcus or Salmonella) or viruses. Food can also become infected if someone who was recently sick handles it. If the food isn’t cooked thoroughly, the bacteria will spread quickly throughout your body and cause symptoms of food poisoning to occur.
Who Is at Greater Risk of Food Poisoning?
The people who are most vulnerable to food poisoning are young children, the elderly, and those whose immune systems have been weakened by a chronic condition.
Young Children
Children, generally under the age of 5, are at greater risk for food poisoning. This is because their immune system haven't fully developed and aren't strong enough to fight against harmful bacteria.
Elderly
The elderly are more likely than other adult age groups to become sicker after contracting food poisoning. This is because their bodies lose the ability over time to fight infections as effectively as they once could.
Immunocompromised
People with weakened immune systems because of another medical condition, you are more likely to develop food poisoning after eating contaminated food. Seek medical care if symptoms are present
Types of Foodborne Illnesses
- Virus
- Bacteria
- Symptoms usually begin one to two days after infection and last five to seven days.
- Symptoms usually begin swithin 30 days of infection and last three to seven days.
- Symptoms usually begin 18 to 36 hours after infection and last several days or weeks.
- Symptoms begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days.
- Symptoms usually begin two to five days after infection and last five to ten days.
- Symptoms usually begin two to five days after infection and last one week.
- Symptoms usually begin one to two days after infection and last five to seven days.
- Symptoms usually begin swithin 30 days of infection and last three to seven days.
- Symptoms usually begin 18 to 36 hours after infection and last several days or weeks.
Food Poisoning Prevention Tips
Things You Should Do
Things You Shouldn’t Do
