How long do you have off work with food poisoning?

Sometimes we eat something we wish we hadn't. Emergency room physician Troy Madsen, MD, says food poisoning generally takes about six hours to take effect, but most people get through it all right. Learn about the symptoms of food poisoning and things you can do to help yourself get through it.">

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If you have food poisoning, you might be wondering when you’re going to feel better. But there’s not just one answer because there are so many different kinds of food poisoning.

According to the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),1 in 6Americans get sick with food poisoning each year. Infants, children, older adults, and people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk.

Keep reading to learn more about how long food poisoning lasts, what the symptoms are, and when to seek medical attention.

How long does food poisoning last?

There are more than250 typesof food poisoning. Although the symptoms may be similar, the length of time it takes to get better differs, depending on:

  • what substance caused the contamination
  • how much of it you ingested
  • the severity of your symptoms

In most cases, people recover within a day or two without needing medical care.

What causes food poisoning?

Food poisoning can happen when you eat or drink something contaminated by any of the following:

  • bacteria
  • viruses
  • parasites
  • chemicals
  • metals

Most of the time, food poisoning is an illness of your stomach and intestines. But it can affect other organs, too.

These are the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States along with the foods associated with them:

Cause of illnessAssociated foodssalmonellaraw and undercooked meat and poultry, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, raw fruit, and raw vegetablesE. coliraw and undercooked beef, unpasteurized milk or juice, raw vegetables, and contaminated waterlisteriaraw produce, unpasteurized dairy products, processed meat, and poultrynorovirusraw produce and shellfishcampylobacterunpasteurized dairy products, raw and undercooked meat and poultry, and contaminated waterClostridium perfringensbeef, poultry, gravy, precooked food, and dried food

What are the symptoms?

The time between when you ingest contaminated food and first experience symptoms can be anywhere from underone hour to three weeks. This depends on the cause of the contamination.

For instance, symptoms of a bacterial infection linked to undercooked pork (yersiniosis), can appear betweenfour to seven daysafter eating the contaminated food.

But on average, food poisoning symptoms begin within two to six hours after consuming contaminated food.

Symptoms of food poisoning vary by the type of contaminate. Most people experience a combination of the following:

  • watery diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • abdominal pain
  • headache
  • fever

Symptoms that occur less frequently include:

  • dehydration
  • diarrhea containing blood or mucus
  • muscle aches
  • itching
  • skin rash
  • blurry vision
  • double vision

Check out: Is it a stomach bug or food poisoning? Tips for identification »

What to do if you have food poisoning

If you are vomiting or have diarrhea, the most pressing concern is dehydration. But you may want to avoid food and fluids for a few hours. As soon as you are able, begin taking small sips of water or sucking on ice chips.

Besides water, you may also want to drink a rehydration solution. These solutions help replace electrolytes, which are the minerals in your body fluid that conduct electricity. They’re necessary for your body to function.

Rehydration solutions are especially helpful for:

  • children
  • older adults
  • people who have a compromised immune system
  • people who have a chronic illness

When you can eat solid food, begin with small amounts of bland foods that include:

  • crackers
  • rice
  • toast
  • cereal
  • bananas

You should avoid:

  • carbonated beverages
  • caffeine
  • dairy products
  • fatty food
  • overly sweet food
  • alcohol

And be sure to take it easy and get plenty of rest until your symptoms subside.

When you should see a doctor

You should contact your doctor when you first experience symptoms if you:

  • are older than 60 years of age
  • are an infant or toddler
  • are pregnant
  • have a weakened immune system
  • have a chronic health condition like diabetes or kidney disease

If you’re taking diuretics and develop food poisoning, call your doctor and ask if it’s safe to stop using them.

How long should I take off work with food poisoning?

If you have food poisoning, you shouldn't prepare food for other people and you should try to keep contact with vulnerable people, such as the elderly or very young, to a minimum. Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea.

Can I go to work the day after food poisoning?

“An isolated incident of an upset stomach or bout of diarrhea can be caused by mild food poisoning, stress, or even medication,” says Papa. If you're feeling fine in the AM, it's all right to head to work—just make sure to drink plenty of fluids to make up for what you lost.

Do you have to wait 48 hours after food poisoning?

Stay home for at least 48 hours after you have had diarrhea or vomited. Stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever. Make sure to let your school or workplace know about the infection, especially if you or your child were infected while you were there.

What is the average time for food poisoning?

The time it takes food poisoning symptoms to start can vary. Illness often starts in about 1 to 3 days. But symptoms can start any time from 30 minutes to 3 weeks after eating contaminated food. The length of time depends on the type of bacteria or virus causing the illness.