Most food poisoning clears within a week, and many cases improve in 1 to 3 days with rest and fluids.
Symptoms typically begin within hours to a few days of the contaminated meal. The bug is rarely the danger - dehydration is, so keep sipping fluids and use oral rehydration solution if vomiting or diarrhea is heavy. Skip anti-diarrhea medicine if you have blood in your stool or a high fever, and go get seen for blood in vomit or stool, signs of dehydration (very little urine, dizziness on standing), a high fever, severe belly pain, or diarrhea past three days. Pregnant people, older adults, babies, and the immunocompromised should seek care earlier. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you tell a normal course from one that needs help.
What to do
Common questions
How long does food poisoning last?
Most cases of food poisoning get better within a week, and many improve within one to three days. Symptoms usually start within a few hours to a few days after eating the contaminated food, though some infections take weeks to show up. The main danger while you wait it out is dehydration, not the bug itself: sip fluids constantly, and use oral rehydration solution if vomiting or diarrhea is heavy. Get medical care fast for blood in vomit or stool, signs of dehydration (very little urine, dizziness when standing, dry mouth), a high fever, severe belly pain, or diarrhea lasting more than three days. Babies, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone immunocompromised should get seen earlier and at lower thresholds. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you judge whether your symptoms fit the normal course or need a doctor today.