Food poisoning

I think I have Food Poisoning

Food borne disease or "food poisoning" as it is sometimes called,  is caused by eating bacteria or viruses which then infect your gut. The infection caused is called gastro-enteritis. 

What are the symptoms?

As with many infections the early symptoms can include a headache, fever and nausea. This may then progress to cramping pains in the abdomen followed by vomiting and diarrhea. 

The time between eating the bacteria and feeling ill depends on the sort of bacteria involved, the amount of it eaten and how healthy you are.

Where did I get it from?

The infectious agents may be carried on or in food which has not been handled hygienically. Food poisoning bacteria can also be picked up from the environment - by swallowing contaminated water or transferring the bugs to the mouth on dirty hands. Many of these diseases can be transferred from person to person.

What should I do about it?

Even for a healthy person a case of "food poisoning" can be an unpleasant and uncomfortable experience.

For most people the disease is self-limiting and the sufferer will usually get better after a number of days. Treatment may be limited to analgesics for pain and increased fluid intake to replace that lost by vomiting or diarrhea.

Whilst you are suffering from diarrhea and/or vomiting you should not prepare food for anyone. You should take extra care over personal hygiene and the sanitising of surfaces which may have become contaminated. 

Even after your symptoms have ceased you may still be excreting the infective agent. It is advisable to allow at least another 48 hours before preparing food or relaxing your extra precautions.

If you are young or elderly

If you are young, elderly or suffering from another illness or condition, food poisoning can have serious consequences and early advice from your doctor should be sought. 

If you appear to be passing blood in their diarrhea you should seek immediate advice from a doctor.

If you work as a food handler

If you handle food in your work or are in a job dealing with the young, elderly or ill then you should tell your employer and not go to work while feeling ill.

A visit to or from the doctor will allow a sample to be submitted to find out what the infection is caused by.

You may find that you are excluded from work by Lothian Health Board until the infection has cleared. 

Environmental Health staff may visit you to try and find out where you became infected and to provide advice about personal hygiene.

Where can I get further advice or information?

 If you think you have contracted a food borne illness you should seek advice from your Doctor.

• Health Protection Scotland
• NHS 24 (Scotland)