If you have recently eaten contaminated food, you may be wondering how long does food poisoning last. It can vary from a few hours to a few weeks, depending on the germ that caused it. Symptoms typically disappear within a day or two, but can last as long as eight weeks. The good news is that the symptoms are generally not serious. You should seek medical attention if you suspect food poisoning.
The symptoms of food poisoning typically include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, and they can develop hours or even days after the initial incident. The symptoms of food poisoning are typically mild and will pass on their own, but in severe cases, they may last for weeks or even months. People with weakened immune systems, those with diabetes, or those with autoimmune diseases are at an increased risk. Pregnant women and those who are taking high doses of certain medications are also more susceptible.
The causes of food poisoning can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses that live on the surfaces of foods. Cooking kills most pathogens on foods, but raw foods are particularly high in contamination. Raw foods can also contain organisms from vomit and feces. Food poisoning is most often the result of contaminated food, but water contamination may be a factor as well.
If the symptoms persist, you should see your doctor immediately. If you are pregnant or older, you should seek medical attention immediately. In children, the symptoms of food poisoning can be mild or severe, but it’s still best to call a doctor for advice. Diarrhea is especially dangerous for newborns, as it can cause dehydration. If left untreated, it can lead to death in a day.
If you are concerned that you have contracted food poisoning, the best course of treatment is to avoid eating anything immediately after the symptoms appear. Avoid overeating or undereating, and make sure to thoroughly wash your hands. Do not leave food out on the counter for an extended period of time. And try to avoid eating anything within two hours. Then, contact your local health department. They may be able to control the outbreak before it gets out of hand.
You may have foodborne botulism if you ate contaminated food. Food contaminated with botulism will cause nausea, stomach cramps, and watery diarrhea. The symptoms may appear suddenly and last for 10-16 hours. The best way to deal with botulism is to avoid consuming contaminated food for at least two days. If the symptoms don’t show up within that timeframe, you may need to consult a doctor.
