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What is food poisoning or gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by infections from bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Some bacteria cause the symptoms of gastroenteritis by releasing toxins.
Consuming contaminated food or water containing harmful bacteria, viruses or toxins can lead to food poisoning.
When a virus causes the infection, it is known as gastroenteritis or "stomach flu".
How is food poisoning or gastroenteritis transmitted?
Through consuming contaminated food or water, contact with infected people, or touching contaminated surfaces.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning or gastroenteritis?
Symptoms include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Stomach pain
Fever (may not be present in cases caused by bacterial toxins)
What are the risk factors?
Risk factors include:
Eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
Contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces and objects.
How is food poisoning or gastroenteritis treated?
The main treatment for food poisoning or gastroenteritis is rehydration, either through drinking fluids or receiving them intravenously.
People with symptoms like bloody diarrhoea, high fever, dehydration, or an inability to keep fluids down may need to be admitted to the hospital.
Antibiotics are generally not needed in treating food poisoning or gastroenteritis.
How to prevent food poisoning or gastroenteritis?
To reduce the risk of food poisoning or gastroenteritis, you should take the following precautions:
Safe food handling:
Thorough cooking: Ensure all foods (e.g. meat, poultry, fish and eggs) are thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Proper storage: Store perishable foods promptly in the refrigerator or freezer at appropriate temperatures.
Avoid cross-contamination: Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood separate from other foods.
Clean utensils and surfaces: Wash cutting boards, utensils, and countertops thoroughly after use, especially after handling raw meat.
Good hand hygiene:
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, before eating or handling food, and after touching pets or gardening
Other prevention measures:
Avoid raw or undercooked foods: Minimise consumption of raw or undercooked meats, fish, eggs, and shellfish.
Safe water: Drink only bottled or well-sealed water and avoid ice cubes if concerned about water quality.
Avoid preparing food: If unwell, do not cook or prepare food.
Vaccination: Certain gastroenteritis diseases caused by viruses and bacteria can be prevented through vaccination. For infants, vaccines against rotavirus are available. Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are recommended for travel to countries where these infections are common
Avoid sharing utensils: Do not share cups, utensils, or food with others, especially if someone is sick.
Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, especially in the kitchen, bathroom, and other shared areas. Refer to NEA’s guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting residences for more information.