Toxicology Question of the Week
November 28, 2017
How can you avoid food poisoning during the holidays?
Getting holiday meals just right puts a generous amount of pressure on even the most experienced chef. Unsurprisingly, this time of year is associated with an increased incidence of food poisoning.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year an estimated 48 million people (about 1 in 6) contract a foodborne illness, with approximately 128,000 requiring hospitalization and 3,000 dying. America’s poison centers help manage tens of thousands of cases involving suspected food poisoning each year.
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Symptoms typically appear hours after eating contaminated food but may be delayed by days depending on the pathogen involved. Most cases are mild and resolve without medical care. However, some may develop severe illness and require hospitalization, especially those who are more likely to get sick such as young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Thankfully, there are a few simple food safety precautions that can help prevent food poisoning:
PREPARE
COOK
STORE
If you experience symptoms of food poisoning, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. See your doctor or healthcare provider if you have symptoms that are severe, including:
If you have any questions about how to prevent food poisoning, the symptoms of food poisoning, or if you or someone you know suspects food poisoning, call the poison center (1-800-222-1222).
This Question was prepared by: Justin Loden, PharmD, CSPI (Certified Specialist in Poison Information)
I am interested in any questions you would like answered in the Question of the Week. Please email me with any suggestion at donna.seger@vanderbilt.edu
Donna Seger, MD
Medical Director
Tennessee Poison Center
Poison Help Hotline: 1-800-222-1222
The Question of the Week is available on our website: www.tnpoisoncenter.org