4 Steps To Prevent Food Poisoning
When disease-causing microorganisms contaminate food, they can cause foodborne illness, often called food poisoning. The U.S. food supply is considered one of the safest worldwide, yet there are still more than 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Foodborne microorganisms will typically cause symptoms within 1 to 3 days, but timing can differ depending on the illness. Symptoms of food poisoning can include diarrhea, which can be watery or bloody, vomiting, abdominal pain and flu-like symptoms like chills, fever and body-aches. Most people will recover from food poisoning within a short amount of time, but those at a higher risk of illness, such as pregnant women, children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems can develop long-term or severe health impacts.
1 in 6 Americans will experience foodborne illness every year, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Limit your risk of food poisoning by following 4 safety tips.
Protect yourself from food poisoning with simple precautions.
Wash: Wash your hands, sanitize surfaces, and clean all fruits and vegetables before cooking with them.
Separate: Keep cooked and raw meats like seafood, fish and poultry separated to prevent cross-contamination.
Cook: Make sure your food is cooked to the proper temperature before consuming.
Chill: Be sure to refrigerate perishable foods.
Most cases of foodborne illness can be managed at home by encouraging clear fluids, including water and oral rehydration solutions, like Pedialyte, along with rest and low-fat meals. If you are experiencing severe food poisoning symptoms, or if symptoms last longer than 7 days, visit the Emergency Department, or contact your primary care provider. Many of our primary care offices, like Chesapeake Regional Primary Care-Battlefield offer same-day appointments for patients.
Safe home-cooking practices can keep you healthy. For more information visit https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-safety-education-month.
Miriam J. Mather, DHSc, PA-C, is a dedicated Physician Assistant with expertise in emergency and hospital medicine, as well as in patient assessment, treatment, and chronic illness management. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa., graduating summa cum laude. She later obtained both her master’s and doctorate degrees in Health Science from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Passionate about global and community health, Dr. Mather has led and participated in numerous international medical missions across Africa and Haiti. She is also the founder of Community Health Worker Missions International. Her compassionate, patient-centered approach reflects a deep and ongoing commitment to both local and international healthcare service.