Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food. This is most likely to happen after eating meat, egg or dairy products that contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli. Every year, more than 76 million people get sick from food poisoning, especially during summer when food may not be kept cold enough to prevent bacteria from growing.
Who's Most At Risk?
· Weakened immune system, infants, pregnant women and people over age 65 are most at risk.
· People traveling in an area where contamination is more likely.
· Having a pre-existing medical condition, such as chronic kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes.
· Taking antibiotic, antihistamine, or steroid medicines.
Signs and Symptoms:
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Abdominal cramping
· Diarrhea,
· Head or muscle aches
· Fever
Prevention
These steps can help prevent food poisoning:
· Wash your hands and clean any dishes or utensils when you are making or serving food.
· Keep juices from meat, poultry, and seafood away from ready to eat foods.
· Cook foods to proper temperatures. Danger zone for harmful bacteria to multiply is between 5 degree Celsius and 60 degree Celsius.
· Promptly refrigerate any food which you will not be eating right away.
· If you take care of young children, wash your hands often and dispose of diapers carefully so that bacteria can't spread to other surfaces or people.
· When traveling where contamination is more likely, eat only hot, freshly cooked food. Boil water before drinking. Don't eat raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit.
· Always refrigerate fish.
How to Treat Food Poisoning Without Drugs
· Stay hydrated. The effects of food poisoning will dehydrate you and make you feel worse. Drink water and other liquids but avoid caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and will prompt you to urinate more frequently..
· Eat. You will likely not want to, because you will not feel well, but you must eat to keep your energy up.
· Be patient. It may take a few days to clear the toxins from the food poisoning. Get as much rest as you can and refrain from strenuous exercise until you are well again
