What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning (foodborne illness) is GI infection from contaminated food or water. About 1 in 6 Americans get it each year. Most common pathogens: norovirus, Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Staph aureus toxin.
Most cases are self-limited and resolve in 1–3 days with hydration. Bacterial causes sometimes warrant antibiotics. Severe or persistent symptoms, or specific high-risk situations, need evaluation.
Do I have food poisoning? Common signs
If most of these describe what you're experiencing, telehealth may be a good next step:
What causes it
Bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, Staph aureus), viruses (norovirus, rotavirus), parasites (Giardia, Cryptosporidium), toxins. Improperly handled, undercooked, or contaminated food.
Is it contagious?
Some causes (norovirus) are highly contagious person-to-person. Bacterial causes generally not, but the food source can affect others.
The simplest fix is the right fix — small sips of fluid, antiemetic for severe nausea, bland food when able. Most resolves on its own.
Can it be treated online?
Routine food poisoning is well-suited to telehealth. Severe symptoms, dehydration signs, blood in stool/vomit, high fever, severe abdominal pain, recent travel, pregnancy, infants, or immunocompromised — need in-person evaluation. Outbreaks should be reported to local health department.
How food poisoning is treated
Mostly supportive. Hydration: electrolyte solutions. Ondansetron for nausea/vomiting. Loperamide for diarrhea (avoid with bloody stool or high fever). Antibiotics only for specific bacteria (severe Salmonella, traveler's diarrhea, Shigella, Campylobacter): ciprofloxacin, azithromycin. Antibiotics inappropriate for most viral causes.
Self-care while you wait
- Small sips of clear fluids — Pedialyte, broth, water
- Avoid milk, caffeine, alcohol initially
- BRAT diet when ready (banana, rice, applesauce, toast)
- Rest
- Anti-nausea medication if needed
- Wash hands frequently to prevent spread
- Probiotics may shorten viral diarrhea slightly
How long does it last?
Most acute cases resolve in 1–3 days. Severe or specific pathogens longer.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take Imodium?
Usually OK for non-bloody diarrhea without high fever. Avoid in bloody diarrhea or high fever — can trap toxic bacteria.
How do I avoid spreading it to family?
Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, don't prepare food, clean surfaces with bleach, wash linens hot.
When can I eat normally?
Start with bland foods when nausea subsides. Reintroduce regular diet gradually over 1–2 days.
Do I need an antibiotic?
Most food poisoning is viral or self-limited bacterial — antibiotics don't help and can harm. Specific bacterial causes benefit from targeted antibiotics.
Should I report it?
Outbreaks (multiple people from same restaurant/event) should be reported to local health department. Helps prevent broader outbreaks.
