What Should I Do If I Get Food Poisoning
Most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own within 12 to 24 hours. Your body’s natural response, frequent trips to the bathroom, is actually helping flush out to remove the virus or bacteria. That means avoiding medications that stop diarrhea is usually best, as they can mask symptoms or prolong the illness.
???? Stay hydrated. Fluids with electrolytes and sugars, like Pedialyte, sports drinks, or even popsicles, can help keep you stable while your body recovers.
???? Call a doctor if:
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You notice blood in your stool or vomit
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You have severe cramping or a high fever
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You can’t keep any food or drink down
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Your symptoms last longer than 24 hours
For any concerns or questions about food poisoning, the Missouri Poison Center is here to help 24/7. Call 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential advice from medical professionals.
???? Check our food poisoning blog here for more detailed information on what to do!
Transcript with visual descriptions
Visual: Thumbnail showing a man covering his mouth and holding his stomach, looking distressed. Text overlay reads “What should you do if you get food poisoning?”. The Missouri Poison Center logo is in the bottom right corner.
Sound: Upbeat, light instrumental music begins.
Visual: Person 1, a man in a blue t-shirt, is speaking in a room with blue LED strip lighting. Below him, an animation of a spoon with a skull on it, dripping liquid.
Person 1: What do you do if you’ve been poisoned by your food?
Visual: Below Person 1, a microwave interior with food inside.
Person 1: Betrayed by your microwave dinner,
Visual: Below Person 1, a cast iron skillet with red sauce simmering on a stovetop.
Person 1: or by your homemade attempt at that dish you had at that restaurant that one time?
Visual: Animation of two people shrugging with question marks above their heads.
Person 1: Uhhh…
Visual: An animated stick figure is sitting on a toilet reading a newspaper.
Person 1: You poop.
Visual: Below Person 1, a person is sitting on a couch, holding their stomach in discomfort.
Person 1: Most times, symptoms of food poisoning will go away in 12 to 24 hours.
Visual: Below Person 1, red diner stools are lined up at a counter.
Person 1: Frequent stools help your body
Visual: Below Person 1, animated biohazard symbols float on a red background.
Person 1: get rid of the virus or bacteria that’s causing the food poisoning.
Visual: Below Person 1, an illustration of a man pushing against a large pill labeled “Rx”. A hand draws on the pill with a blue marker.
Person 1: So you want to avoid taking medication that will stop the rapid evacuation of your bowels.
Visual: An animated space shuttle takes off, leaving a rainbow-colored trail as a doodle man falls from the space shuttle.
Sound: Flushing sound effect, then the doodle man screams.
Person 1: It could mask the severity of the illness. You want to stay hydrated as best you can.
Visual: A man in a blue long-sleeved shirt is drinking from a sports bottle while outdoors in an autumn setting.
Person 1: Fluids with sugar and electrolytes are the way to go. Popsicles, Pedialyte, you got a lot of options.
Visual: Text “NOW, THAT, BEING, SAID” in white on a dark blue background.
Person 1: Now, that being said,
Visual: A graphic resembling a medical chart appears with various icons framing a white space listing symptoms.
Person 1: if there’s blood in your stool or your vomit, or you’re having severe abdominal cramping or a fever, call a doctor. Ditto for if it’s been a while and you can’t keep any food down.
Visual: Missouri Poison Center logo with “Open 24/7!” and phone number 1-800-222-1222.
Person 1: If you or someone you know suspects they have food poisoning, call the Missouri Poison Center right away. At 1-800-222-1222.
