Food poisoning happens when bacteria (and, sometimes, viruses or other germs) get
into food or drinks.
More to Know
The germs that cause food poisoning include Salmonella,
E.coli, Listeria,
Campylobacter, Staphylococcus
aureus, Shigella, hepatitis A, and noroviruses.
Food poisoning often starts a few hours after eating contaminated food. People
have stomach pain, feel sick, throw up, and have diarrhea. They may have headaches,
weakness, and fever.
Food poisoning usually goes away on its own. Most kids get better in a couple of
days.
In a few cases, food poisoning can be bad enough that kids need to go to the doctor
or hospital. When kids need medical care, it's usually because of dehydration.
Keep in Mind
Following good food safety practices is
the best defense against food poisoning. Washing
hands well and often, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing
food, also helps stop the spread of germs.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical
experts.
