Educational information, not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer. Last updated: October 29, 2026.
Food poisoning can develop after eating food or drinking water contaminated with harmful germs or toxins. It often settles within a few days to a week, but vomiting and diarrhoea can cause dehydration, and some people need medical care. Knowing how to look after yourself—and when not to wait—can make recovery safer.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever and feeling generally unwell. They may begin within hours or take several days after exposure; the timing depends on the cause. You cannot reliably identify the germ from symptoms alone.
What to do at home
The main priority is replacing fluids. Take frequent small sips of water if you feel sick. Oral rehydration sachets from a pharmacy can help replace water and salts, particularly after repeated diarrhoea or vomiting; prepare them exactly as instructed. Rest, and eat when you feel able. Start with foods you tolerate and avoid forcing meals.
Babies who are breastfed or bottle-fed should usually continue feeding, with smaller, more frequent feeds if needed. Young children, older adults, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems or significant long-term conditions may be more vulnerable to complications, so seek advice early if concerned.
Should you take medicines?
A pharmacist can advise whether an oral rehydration product or another treatment is appropriate. Anti-diarrhoea medicines are not suitable for everyone and should not be given to young children unless a healthcare professional advises it. Do not take leftover antibiotics: many cases are viral or toxin-related, and antibiotics are only appropriate for certain infections after clinical assessment.
Signs of dehydration
Watch for passing less urine than usual, dark urine, a dry mouth, dizziness, unusual tiredness or in children fewer wet nappies. If you cannot keep fluids down or dehydration signs persist despite oral rehydration, seek urgent medical advice.
When to seek urgent help
Contact a healthcare professional urgently if you have bloody diarrhoea, vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down, diarrhoea lasting more than seven days, vomiting lasting more than two days, or you are worried about a baby under 12 months. Seek advice sooner for pregnancy, frailty, immune suppression or serious underlying illness.
Get emergency care for severe or sudden abdominal pain, blood or material resembling coffee grounds in vomit, green vomit in an adult, confusion, reduced responsiveness, severe breathing difficulty or signs of a life-threatening illness. Use your local emergency number.
Reduce the risk of spreading infection
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean contaminated surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while ill. Stay away from work, school or childcare until at least 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped, and follow local public-health or workplace guidance. Wash soiled clothing and bedding separately where possible, and do not rely on hand sanitiser alone for some stomach bugs.
Food safety basics
- Wash hands before preparing food and after using the toilet.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook food thoroughly and chill perishable items promptly.
- Follow storage instructions and use-by dates.
Reliable sources
Medical disclaimer: This article is educational and cannot diagnose the cause of symptoms. Seek professional advice when symptoms are severe, persistent or worrying.
Written by the nohas.es Editorial Team from the official sources listed in this article. Read our Editorial Policy and Fact Checking Policy. Found an error? Tell us.
