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Short answer How fast does it start? What to do first Food poisoning or stomach bug? Report it Dehydration signs When to get help Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesIf you think you have food poisoning, sip fluids, rest, eat bland food when you can, and get care for bloody diarrhea, a fever over 102 F, diarrhea lasting more than 3 days or signs of dehydration.
Most people recover in a day or two. Tell student health if several people got sick after the same meal.
How fast does it start?
Food poisoning can start within hours to a few days of eating contaminated food, depending on the germ. Common signs are nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, belly cramps and sometimes fever.
What to do first
- Sip water or an oral rehydration drink often, in small amounts
- Rest and avoid solid food until vomiting settles
- Eat bland foods like toast, rice or bananas when you can
- Avoid alcohol and heavy, greasy food
- Do not take anti-diarrhea medicine if you have a fever or bloody stool without asking a clinician
Food poisoning or stomach bug?
They look alike. If several friends who ate the same food got sick, it points to food. If a roommate or floor-mate has similar symptoms with no common meal, it may be a virus like norovirus. See stomach bug return to class and how long food poisoning lasts.
Report it
Tell your student health center and dining services if you think the dining hall food is the cause, especially if others are sick. Keep a record of what you ate and when. You are not bothering anyone, since it helps spot outbreaks.
Dehydration signs
- Dark urine or no urine for 8 hours
- Dizziness when standing
- Very dry mouth
- Fast heartbeat
- Not able to keep any fluids down for a day
When to get help
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Fever over 102 F
- Diarrhea longer than 3 days
- Severe belly pain
- Signs of dehydration
Go to the ER for fainting, confusion or trouble breathing. Call 911 if severe.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long does food poisoning last? Often 1 to 3 days, sometimes longer.
Can I go to class with food poisoning? Stay home until you have not had vomiting or diarrhea for 48 hours.
Is food poisoning contagious? Some causes can spread. Wash hands carefully.
Should I take Pepto-Bismol or Imodium? Check the label and ask a pharmacist.
What should I eat? Bland foods once vomiting stops.
Common questions
I think I have food poisoning from the dining hall. What do I do?
If you think you have food poisoning, sip fluids, rest, eat bland food when you can, and get care for bloody diarrhea, a fever over 102 F, diarrhea lasting more than 3 days or signs of dehydration. Most people recover in a day or two. Tell student health if several people got sick after the same meal.
How long does food poisoning last?
Often 1 to 3 days, sometimes longer.
Can I go to class with food poisoning?
Stay home until you have not had vomiting or diarrhea for 48 hours.
Is food poisoning contagious?
Some causes can spread. Wash hands carefully.
Should I take Pepto-Bismol or Imodium?
Check the label and ask a pharmacist.
What should I eat?
Bland foods once vomiting stops.