The symptoms of food poisoning typically begin within hours to a couple of days after consuming contaminated food, though they can start anywhere from a few hours to several weeks later depending on the cause. Common symptoms include:
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, which may sometimes contain blood or mucus
- Stomach cramps and abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness and lack of energy
- Fever (high temperature)
- Aching muscles
- Chills
More severe symptoms can include bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than three days, high fever over 102°F, persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake, and signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, and reduced urination. In rare cases, food poisoning can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms like blurred or double vision, limb weakness, difficulty swallowing, numbness, or changes in voice
. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days with full recovery, but severe cases may require medical attention to prevent complications such as kidney damage or neurological issues
