1. Nausea
Description: A queasy feeling that can make you feel like vomiting. It’s your body’s way of responding to something that doesn’t belong in your stomach.Onset: It can start within a few hours of eating contaminated food, often as one of the first signs of food poisoning.
2. Vomiting
Description: Expelling the contents of the stomach forcefully through the mouth. This is a defense mechanism of the body to rid itself of harmful substances.Onset: Usually follows nausea and can last for several hours. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration if fluids are not replenished.
3. Diarrhea
Description: Loose or watery stools that occur frequently. Diarrhea is caused by the body trying to expel toxins or harmful organisms from the digestive system.Onset: Diarrhea can start a few hours to a couple of days after ingesting the contaminated food. It may be accompanied by an urgent need to go to the bathroom frequently.
Warning: Severe diarrhea can result in dehydration, especially if the body loses more fluids than can be replenished.
4. Abdominal Pain or Cramps
Description: Sharp or aching pain in the stomach area. This occurs as the body’s muscles contract to push the harmful food out of the system.Onset: The pain or cramps can range from mild to severe and are often accompanied by bloating or gas.
5. Fever
Description: A mild to high temperature as the body fights off the infection. Not all cases of food poisoning involve fever, but it’s more common with bacterial and viral infections.Onset: Fever can develop shortly after the other symptoms and may last a few days.
6. Fatigue and Weakness
Description: Feeling extremely tired and lacking energy. The body uses a lot of energy to fight off the infection and recover from the loss of fluids and nutrients.Onset: Fatigue may set in after vomiting or diarrhea, as the body becomes depleted of essential electrolytes and fluids.
7. Headache
Description: General pain in the head, sometimes due to dehydration or the body’s immune response to infection.Onset: A headache may occur as dehydration worsens or as a secondary effect of the body’s overall weakened state.
8. Loss of Appetite
Description: A reluctance or inability to eat food due to nausea or general discomfort. Your body may not feel like consuming anything during or after the onset of symptoms.Onset: This usually occurs along with nausea or vomiting and can last until symptoms subside.
9. Dehydration
Description: This results from excessive fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dry mouth, thirst, dizziness, and reduced urination.Onset: Dehydration can develop quickly if fluids are not replaced. It is especially concerning in young children, elderly adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
When to Seek Medical Help:
- Persistent vomiting for more than 2 days
- Bloody diarrhea or severe dehydration (little or no urination)
- Fever over 101.5°F (38.6°C)
- Extreme fatigue or confusion
- Symptoms that worsen or do not improve after a few days
If you experience any of these severe symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor.