Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness from food or drinks contaminated with germs or their toxins. How long does food poisoning last? Most cases clear within 1 to 3 days. The main risk is dehydration, not the infection itself.

What Is It

Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, and viruses like norovirus, are the usual causes. Symptoms can start within hours of eating or up to several days later, depending on the germ. Undercooked meat, eggs, raw seafood, unwashed produce, and food left out too long are common sources.

Symptoms

Nausea and vomiting
Watery diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Fever and chills
Weakness and body aches

Symptoms often start suddenly, sometimes in several people who ate the same meal.

Not sure it’s food poisoning? A stomach flu spreads person to person and often moves through a household over several days. Food poisoning tends to hit people who shared a meal at about the same time.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider checks for dehydration, and medicine for nausea can help you keep fluids down. IV fluids may be used when drinking is not enough. Most food poisoning does not need antibiotics. A stool test may help with bloody diarrhea, high fever, or long lasting symptoms.

At home:

Sip water, broth, or an oral rehydration drink often
Return to bland foods once vomiting stops
Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and greasy food for a few days
Wash your hands well to avoid spreading it

Most people feel better within 1 to 3 days.

When to Get Care for Food Poisoning

Watch at Home

Vomiting or diarrhea for less than a day
You can keep small sips of fluid down
Mild cramps that come and go

Come to Urgent Care Today

Vomiting that keeps fluids from staying down
Diarrhea lasting more than 2 to 3 days
A fever above 102 degrees
Signs of mild dehydration, like dark urine or dizziness when standing
Pregnancy, age over 65, or a weak immune system

Go to the Emergency Department

Bloody diarrhea with severe pain or a high fever
Signs of severe dehydration, like no urine for 8 hours, confusion, or fainting
Vomiting blood
Blurred vision, muscle weakness, or trouble swallowing

FAQ

How long does food poisoning last?

Food poisoning usually lasts 1 to 3 days. Some bacterial infections, like Salmonella, can last up to a week.

How soon after eating do food poisoning symptoms start?

Food poisoning symptoms can start within 1 to 6 hours from toxins, or 1 to 3 days from bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. The last meal you ate is not always the cause.

Is it food poisoning or the stomach flu?

Food poisoning usually hits people who shared a meal at the same time. The stomach flu spreads person to person through a household over several days. Both cause vomiting and diarrhea.

What should I eat after food poisoning?

After food poisoning, start with clear fluids, then bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, crackers, and broth. Avoid dairy, greasy food, alcohol, and caffeine for a few days.

Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?

Most food poisoning does not need antibiotics and clears on its own. Antibiotics are used for certain bacterial infections, usually after a stool test.

Can urgent care treat food poisoning?

Yes, urgent care can treat food poisoning. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can check for dehydration, and IV fluids are available when needed. No appointment or referral is needed.

Last reviewed October 2026