Food poisoning is a group of illnesses caused by eating contaminated food or drink.
While symptoms can be unpleasant, for some people they can be quite serious.
Most food poisoning occurs from harmful bugs getting into food.
The most common types being:
Sometimes these bacteria and toxins can be spread from person to person, or through contaminated surfaces.
Like gastroenteritis, symptoms can be very mild, or very severe. Sometimes the symptoms appear within a few hours, like in the case of toxins, or can take a few days if an infection from a bacteria or virus.
Symptoms often include:
People with vomiting and diarrhoea are encouraged to take time off school or work and remain home, and drink plenty of fluids if tolerated.
If you can help it, do not prepare any food while you are unwell, and for 2 days after your symptoms have improved.
If you find it difficult to drink any fluids, have excessive vomiting, nausea, pain or diarrhoea, see your doctor to assess your hydration status. You may be prescribed medicine that helps you feel better.
For any of the above consult a doctor as early as possible
If you believe you have suffered from food poisoning, and you think an investigation is warranted, you can contact the NSW food authority here
http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/gp/complaints-about-food
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