Food Poisoning Facts
Food Poisoning facts are important to know, to avoid eating the wrong thing. Keep your eyes open and avoid eating improperly-prepared foods.
• The CDC has evaluated information from multiple sources and has determined that approximately 76 million people suffer illness annually from food borne causes. Food poisoning also results in about 325,000 hospitalizations yearly, and roughly 5,000 deaths.
• More than two hundred different illnesses are spread through contact with tainted food. Poisoning facts include bacteria, viruses, toxins, parasites and metals. The symptoms of illness from food borne sources range from mild gastro-intestinal problems to life threatening renal syndromes.
• Most cases of food poisoning are caused by common bacteria. They can affect one person, a few people, or potentially a large number of people, if they all ate the same contaminated food.
• Young children and the elderly are most at risk for food poisoning, as are people who already have some existing medical problem that may be exacerbated by the bacteria.
• Symptoms you may display if you contract food poisoning include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, weakness, fever and chills, and headache.
• Your physician will examine you to determine if you are suffering from food poisoning. Facts he finds may prompt him to ask about what types of food you have eaten recently.
• You usually can recover from the common types of food poisoning within a few days. Until that time, you need to take in plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Do not eat any solid food until your diarrhea has passed. Stay away from dairy products, which can make your diarrhea worse.
• If you have diarrhea and can't drink fluid due to nausea or vomiting, you may need to be given IV fluids, to rehydrate yourself.
• If you have eaten mushroom or shellfish toxins, you need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible. They will likely pump your stomach at the emergency room, to immediately remove the toxins.
• Some other complications may result from food poisoning. Facts include: respiratory distress, bleeding disorders, nervous system disorders or kidney problems. Fifty percent of people who have suffered some type of mushroom or fish poisoning may die, and 10% of people with botulism poisoning may die.
• To prevent food poisoning, take these steps when preparing food: wash your hands and clean dishes and utensils; fully cook all meats and fish; refrigerate any food you don't plan on eating right away; do not use outdated foods, packaged food with the seal opened, or cans that are dented or bulging. If you can food at home, be sure to follow proper techniques to avoid botulism.
• By watching what you eat and how it is prepared, you can lessen your chances of every suffering food poisoning. Facts are your weapon – use them wisely to maintain good health.