People with weakened immune systems should avoid eating certain types of contaminated food. The symptoms of food poisoning can appear within a few hours or can last for weeks. Fortunately, this condition usually passes on without complications. If you think you may have become ill from eating contaminated food, remember to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration and stay home for at least two days to recover. Food poisoning can be caused by any of three different kinds of pathogens.
Most severe forms of food poisoning can last for a few days, and the most common symptoms are nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Some people may experience dehydration or blood in their stools. Depending on the severity of the food-related illness, a person may also experience vomiting and diarrhea for more than three days. If the symptoms last for longer than three days or are accompanied by a high fever, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
There are a number of different types of food borne illness. Some are caused by bacteria on the food. Others are caused by certain organisms in the environment. Fish, for example, can carry a variety of toxins, including mercury. Symptoms of fish-based food poisoning generally last from two to ten days. The symptoms of listeria, on the other hand, take anywhere from 70 days to show up.
