Will Food Poisoning Symptoms Last for Days? Usually, a person will start to experience the symptoms of food poisoning within a few hours of eating or drinking a contaminated food. Once symptoms strike, they can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity of the contamination. If your symptoms linger longer than that, though, you likely have some other type of stomach-related illness.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
- Pain in abdomen
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Weakness
What Is the Difference Between Food Poisoning and a Stomach Virus?
The stomach flu is a viral illness, and it is extremely contagious and can last for a few days. Food poisoning, on the other hand, is a condition that can cause a person to become sick due to food or beverage contamination. It is not contagious.Ways to Prevent Food Poisoning
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Wash worktops.
- Wash dishcloths often.
- Use separate chopping boards.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Refrigerate leftovers quickly.
- Watch use-by dates.