Food poisoning – everything you need to know about duration, transmission and prevention

Food poisoning – duration and transmission

Food poisoning is an unwelcome guest that can affect anyone, regardless of age or health status. The duration of food poisoning can vary considerably depending on the cause and the individual’s health, but typically symptoms begin anywhere from a few hours to a few days after consuming the contaminated food, and the condition can last from a few hours to several days.

In most cases, food poisoning is self-limiting, meaning it goes away on its own without the need for medical treatment. However, some cases, especially those caused by certain bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella, can last longer and, in rare cases, lead to more serious health problems. (Source: Statens Serum Institut).

Infection typically occurs through the consumption of food or beverages contaminated with pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. These microorganisms can find their way into food in a variety of ways, including through poor handling during preparation, improper storage, or through cross-contamination from raw foods.

It is important to emphasize that food poisoning is not spread from person to person like an infectious disease, but rather through the consumption of contaminated food.

This highlights the importance of good kitchen hygiene, proper food handling and preparation, and storing food at safe temperatures to prevent the growth and spread of harmful microorganisms. (Source: Sundhed.dk).

Symptoms of food poisoning

Symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the source of the infection.

However, the most common symptoms of food poisoning include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and general malaise.

Often, symptoms subside and go away on their own, but in severe cases, food poisoning can lead to dehydration, bloody diarrhea, and even long-term health complications that require treatment. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Know the common culprits

Food poisoning is often the result of consuming food contaminated with harmful microorganisms. Certain foods carry a higher risk of contamination than others, and it is important to pay special attention to these to try to avoid them:

• Raw meat and poultry: These foods can carry pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. Cross-contamination with other foods, utensils, or surfaces is also a risk.
• Unpasteurized dairy products: Unpasteurized milk and products made from it can contain dangerous bacteria like Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli — so choose pasteurized versions to reduce the risk.
• Eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs can be a source of Salmonella, which is why it is important to always buy fresh eggs and store them properly.
• Shellfish and raw fish: Oysters in particular, and other shellfish that are often eaten raw, can carry Norovirus and Vibrio bacteria. Sushi and other raw fish dishes should therefore only be consumed at reliable restaurants where careful handling is carried out.
• Fruits and vegetables: Although they are an important part of a healthy diet, fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella if they are not washed properly before consumption – this is especially true for leafy greens like lettuce and spinach.
• Processed foods: Delicatessen items such as sausages, hot dogs, and other processed meat products can become contaminated with Listeria if they are not handled properly during manufacturing or storage.
• Rice at room temperature: Bacillus cereus can find its way into rice that has been left out at room temperature for too long. So always make sure to serve and eat rice warm and store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator.

By being aware of these common culprits and following safe food handling practices, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting sick from food poisoning – prevention is the key to enjoying healthy and safe food.

How to prevent food poisoning

To avoid being affected by the disabling condition, there are a number of precautions you can take:

1. Wash your hands and surfaces often: One of the best ways to avoid food poisoning is to maintain good hygiene, so make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food.

2. Keep raw and cooked foods separate: Cross-contamination is a common cause of food poisoning, so use different cutting boards and knives for raw meat and for foods such as salad.

3. Cook foods at safe temperatures: Use a thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are cooked at a temperature high enough to kill any harmful microorganisms.

4. Store food correctly: Store raw meat at the bottom of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. Also, make sure the refrigerator is set to the correct temperature at a maximum of 5°C.

5. Pay attention to expiration dates: Do not eat foods that have expired and be especially careful with products known to be risky such as seafood, dairy products, and processed foods.

Treatment of food poisoning

If, despite your attempts at prevention, you do end up suffering from this debilitating condition, treatment for food poisoning focuses primarily on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. This involves drinking plenty of fluids, including electrolyte solutions, to replace fluids and salts lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

Over-the-counter medications can also help relieve fever and pain, but the use of anti-diarrhea medications should be avoided as they can delay the elimination of toxins from the body. In more severe cases, or if there is a risk of dehydration, hospitalization may be necessary to receive intravenous fluid therapy.

Food poisoning or motion sickness?

While the symptoms of food poisoning and foodborne illness, also known as the stomach flu, may overlap, they are two different conditions.

The difference between food poisoning and gastroenteritis is that food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food, while gastroenteritis is caused by a viral infection in the intestines.

Travel sickness is also often accompanied by respiratory symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, which is not the case with food poisoning. The duration and onset of symptoms can also help distinguish between the two; food poisoning symptoms typically occur within hours of consuming the contaminated food, while stomach flu can take longer to develop.

Avoid food poisoning when traveling

When traveling, it’s especially important to be aware of the risk of food poisoning, so try to eat only at reputable restaurants, avoid raw or undercooked foods, and only drink water from safe sources, such as sealed bottles.

Also be especially careful with food from street food stalls, which may be more exposed to contamination risks, and remember that seafood as well as raw fruits and vegetables that you have not washed yourself may carry a higher risk.