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Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Some of these toxins are found naturally in foods, while some have accumulated in the environment. If you have food poisoning you’ll probably have gastroenteritis symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting, or flu-like symptoms. Food poisoning can also cause serious long-term problems like kidney failure. Occasionally people die from food poisoning. Some wild mushrooms, including the death cap, are extremely poisonous. You should not eat wild-harvested mushrooms unless they have been definitely identified as safe. Seek immediate medical treatment If you think you may have eaten poisonous mushrooms. Large fish, such as shark, swordfish and marlin, may accumulate relatively high levels of mercury. You should limit your consumption of these fish, especially if you are a child, are pregnant or planning pregnancy. What are the symptoms and causes of food poisoning?You may be sick with food poisoning but not know what food caused it or even that you have it. Different bacteria and viruses can have different effects:
Food needs to be stored, handled and cooked carefully and at temperatures that avoid the spread and growth of bacteria that can make you sick. Read about preparing food safely. What are the high-risk groups for food poisoning?If you’re pregnant, elderly or very young, or your immune system is weak through illness or drugs, you’re at greater risk of food poisoning and possibly serious complications. If you’re pregnant, listeria can cause you to miscarry, even if you don’t know you’ve been infected. If you notice symptoms — usually like a mild flu but also diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea — contact your doctor immediately. Read more about how to avoid listeria on the Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website. How is food poisoning treated?Most people don’t need medical help for food poisoning, as their symptoms are not severe and don’t last long. However, people in high-risk groups (such as babies and elderly people) should see a doctor early on, to make sure they don’t get dehydrated. For children, see your GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) if your child has diarrhoea that lasts for more than a few days or has bloody diarrhoea. Take your child to the emergency department immediately if:
For adults, seek medical advice if:
For a mild case of food poisoning, you may try sucking ice chips, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes (you can buy an oral rehydration solution from your pharmacy) and easing back into your normal diet and routine when you feel ready. Antibiotics may help with some bacterial types of food poisoning, but are usually not needed. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Last reviewed: January 2021 These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
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Food poisoning: causes, symptoms and tips on how to prevent it. Read more on myDr website
Report food safety issues, food poisoning symptoms and when to get medical help. Read more on NT Health website
Food poisoning can be caused by eating food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, or by toxins produced by them Read more on SA Health website
Food poisoning is a type of gastroenteritis, usually caused by germs in contaminated food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhoea. Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
Listeria is bacteria carried in some foods that can cause an infection and may lead to miscarriage. Find out ways to avoid listeria infections. Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website Read more on Better Health Channel website
Food poisoning can be avoided by correct food preparation and safety in the kitchen. Learn more about food storage, preparation, and cooking. Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website
When people get sick from eating food, this is known as 'food borne' illness or ‘food poisoning’ Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website
Many people think they are allergic to a food when in fact they are intolerant. Unlike food allergies, intolerances do not involve the body’s immune system. Slower in onset and not life threatening, food intolerance symptoms include headaches, bloating, wind, nausea, mouth ulcers or hives. Symptoms that occur several hours after a food is eaten are more often as a result of an intolerance or enzyme deficiency rather than a food allergy. A food allergy is not: The inability to dige Read more on Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia website
‘I’ve got a sore tummy.’ Children often get stomach pain and it can have many different causes. Find out when to see a GP about your child’s stomach ache. Read more on raisingchildren.net.au website
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