Food poisoning symptoms typically last from 12 to 48 hours , with most people recovering fully within this time frame
. However, the duration can vary widely depending on the cause of the food poisoning and the individual's immune response. Some infections may cause symptoms lasting up to a week or more , and in rare cases, complications or prolonged symptoms can persist for weeks or months
. Typical durations for common causes:
- Norovirus: Symptoms last about 12 to 48 hours
- Salmonella: Symptoms can last from 6 hours up to 6 days, commonly 2 to 5 days
- E. coli: Usually 3 to 4 days, possibly up to 10 days
- Campylobacter: Symptoms last about 5 days but can persist longer in some cases
- Listeria: Symptoms may appear 3 days to 10 weeks after exposure and can last variable lengths of time
- Hepatitis A: Incubation period of 15 to 50 days, with symptoms lasting longer due to viral infection
Mild cases often resolve quickly, but some people, especially those with weakened immune systems, young children, and older adults, may experience longer or more severe illness
. If symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, medical advice should be sought. In summary, food poisoning usually lasts from a few hours up to several days , with most cases resolving within 1 to 3 days, but some infections can cause symptoms lasting weeks or longer depending on the pathogen involved
