How long can food poisoning last?  

If you have food poisoning or a foodborne illness, you might be wondering how long can food poisoning last?

Well, there are more than 250 types of food poisoning, and the length of time it takes to get relief depends on various factors. So, what are those?

Before jumping onto that, here’s some useful information about the causes, symptoms and most importantly, how long does the infection of food poisoning last?

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What is food poisoning?

Foodborne illness is a common concern and can happen to anyone regardless of age or gender. It basically occurs when you drink or eat contaminated food or beverages or certain germs. That includes E.coli, salmonella, bacteria, parasites, metals, and chemicals. How long can food poisoning last also depends on what type of germs you've consumed.

Usually, it's not serious, and people get better in 4-5 days without treatment, but in severe cases, there might be a need for medical attention. While in most cases the infection is associated with the intestine and stomach, other organs can be affected too.

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Signs and symptoms

The signs and symptoms you may experience also determine how long can food poisoning last.

The symptoms range from very mild to serious and can last for a few days. They begin within a day or two of having contaminated food, but they might even start between a few hours or a few weeks later.

Some major symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps and diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Body pain

While in most cases, the symptoms might pass in a few days, they may last a bit longer depending on the infection.

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How long can food poisoning last?

As mentioned above, there are over 250 types of foodborne illness, and the amount of time the food poisoning last depends on different factors. That includes the seriousness of the symptoms, how much contaminated food you ingested, and what germs caused the infection.

It's also important to note that the reaction to bacteria, parasites, and viruses is different for everyone, which means the results may vary from one person to another. Generally, in most cases, people completely recover within four days without needing medical treatment.

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When to consult a doctor?

Consult a doctor if fever continues for two days. (Photo via Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

You need to seek immediate medical attention if your health condition deteriorates daily or you're unable to digest fluids. Additionally, you should talk to a doctor if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Blurred vision
• Loose motions lasting than two days (24 hours in child or infant)
• Bloody vomit
• Severe muscle weakness
• High fever lasting than two days
• Pus-filled or bloody stool
• Dry mouth

You should also consult a doctor if you're breastfeeding or pregnant, taking medication for other severe health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or having an immune-related health condition.

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Final thoughts

While food poisoning can happen to anyone, there are ways to prevent it. First of all, you should always keep your food covered.

Clean your hands before eating and also before cooking. Also, separate raw eggs, meat, seafood, and poultry items from other foods, and wash them well before preparing. Cook your food to the right temperature, and store it well in a clean refrigerator.