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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What to do if someone has food poisoning?


When someone has food poisoning, their condition can range from mild stomach upset to life-threatening illness depending on the type and amount of contaminated food consumed. First aid focuses on preventing dehydration, easing symptoms, and recognizing when emergency help is needed.

1. Recognize the symptoms

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Stomach cramps, bloating

  • Fever, headache, muscle aches

  • Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dizziness, little or no urine, sunken eyes

2. Immediate steps

  • Rest: Have the person lie down in a comfortable position.

  • Rehydrate: Encourage small, frequent sips of water, clear fluids, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

  • Replace lost electrolytes: Broths, diluted fruit juices, or ORS are best. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

  • Ease nausea/diarrhea:

    • Start with bland foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) if they can eat.

    • Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy-heavy foods until recovery.

3. Do NOT

  • Do not give anti-diarrheal medications (like loperamide) if the person has a high fever or bloody diarrhea — these may worsen infection.

  • Do not give food or drink if the person is vomiting heavily and cannot keep fluids down (give medical help instead).

  • Do not give alcohol, caffeine, or very sugary drinks, as these worsen dehydration.

4. Watch for danger signs (seek medical help immediately if):

  • Severe or bloody diarrhea

  • Persistent vomiting (can’t keep fluids down for more than 24 hours)

  • Signs of severe dehydration (no urination for 8+ hours, dizziness, confusion)

  • High fever (above 38.5°C / 101.3°F)

  • Neurological symptoms (blurred vision, muscle weakness, tingling) – possible botulism or chemical contamination

  • Vulnerable patients: infants, elderly, pregnant women, or those with chronic illnesses

5. While waiting for help (if severe):

  • Keep the person lying down and comfortable.

  • Continue giving small sips of fluid if possible.

  • Collect information (what they ate, when symptoms began, others affected). Save any suspect food or packaging for health officials.




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