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Step 1
Food poisoning is the result of eating contaminated food that contains organisms or toxins. Symptoms usually occur 2-6 hours after ingesting the food though symptoms may result earlier or later. The common symptoms are nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and chills, body weakness, and a headache. Symptoms last anywhere from 24-48 hours. Patients need to drink plenty of fluids except milk or caffeinated beverages. Children should be given Electrolyte which is sold in your local drug store.
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Step 2
If you have diarrhea AND are unable to drink fluids, you may need medical attention to prevent dehydration. If the diarrhea lasts for more than 2-3 days, or there is blood in the stools, or a fever over 101, seek medical attention. If you have eaten toxins from mushrooms or shellfish, go to the emergency room.
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Step 3
How can we prevent food poisoning at home? Wash your hands, dishes, and utensils. Scrub the outside of vegetables or fruit and peel off the outside of lettuce, cabbage, etc. Cook beef to at least 160 degrees, poultry to 180, and fish to 140. Always wash the counters and chopping boards after preparing each food, and never put cooked food on a plate that contained the raw food. Refrigerate all food as soon as the meal is over and sooner if the mealtime is long.
Comments
CCrock said
on 7/11/2008 Great article!
Sprice said
on 7/10/2008 Great advice!
L1onherd said
on 7/10/2008 Great article!!!