Food poisoning:
- Advise them to rest and drink water or oral hydration solution.
- Seek medical advice if worried.
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated food. In most cases the food hasn’t been cooked properly and is contaminated by bacteria, such as salmonella or E. coli.
Signs and symptoms
Look for:
- vomiting
- stomach cramps
- diarrhoea
- signs of a fever, with a high temperature.
What to do
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If you think someone has food poisoning, advise them to lie down and rest.
If they’re vomiting, give them small sips of water to drink as this will help prevent dehydration.
If they have accompanying diarrhoea or diarrhoea only, it is even more important to try to replace lost fluids and salts.
- You can advise them to take an oral rehydration solution (ORS) as directed on the packet from your local pharmacy. This is particularly important in more vulnerable people such as the elderly, those with other health conditions, and children.
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When they feel hungry again, advise them to eat light, bland, easily digested foods, such as bread, rice, crackers, or a banana.
- Do not drink alcohol, caffeine, or fizzy drinks.
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If they get worse and the vomiting and diarrhoea is persistent, particularly in the elderly, babies, or young children, seek medical advice. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help.
- Do not take anti-diarrhoea medicines unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional.
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To prevent the spread of the infection, always use and encourage good hand hygiene.
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Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting.
