You can get sick with food poisoning after swallowing certain germs, like Salmonella or E. coli. Your symptoms may vary, depending on the germ you swallowed. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and can last for a few hours or several days.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
If you have diarrhea or vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration (not having enough water in your body).
Should I See a Doctor for Food Poisoning?
See a doctor if you have any symptoms that are severe, including:
- Bloody diarrhea
- Diarrhea that lasts more than three (3) days
- High fever (temperature over 102°F)
- Vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, which include not urinating (peeing) much, a dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up
See your doctor if you are pregnant and have a fever and other flu-like symptoms. Some mild infections can cause problems with pregnancy.
