In most cases of food poisoning, you can relieve your symptoms at home without needing to see a doctor.
The most important thing is to make sure you don't become dehydrated, as this will make you feel worse and slow your recovery time.
Dehydration is a risk because fluid is lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Aim to drink at least two litres (3.5 pints) of water a day, as well as 200ml (one-third of a pint) of water every time you pass diarrhoea.
Oral rehydration salts
If you are more vulnerable to the effects of dehydration (for example, if you are elderly or already have a health condition), oral rehydration salts are recommended.
They are available in sachets from pharmacies. You dissolve them in water to drink and they help to replace salt, glucose and other important minerals that your body loses through dehydration.
If you have a kidney condition, some types of oral rehydration salts may not be suitable for you. Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice about this.
Here are some further ways to cope with your symptoms and speed up your recovery time:
- eating smaller, more frequent meals is easier than trying to eat three large meals
- stick to easily digested foods, such as toast, crackers, bananas and rice until you begin to feel better
- avoid alcohol, cigarettes, caffeine and spicy and fatty foods because these will make you feel worse
- rest
When to see your GP
If you are showing signs of severe dehydration, such as sunken eyes and being unable to urinate, see your GP. They may admit you to hospital, so you can be given fluids and nutrients intravenously (through a tube placed directly into your vein). Read more information about treating dehydration.
Antibiotics can be prescribed if testing shows that the source of the food poisoning was bacterial and your symptoms are severe or last longer than three to four days.
Antibiotics tablets are usually used, although you may be given antibiotics injections if your symptoms are particularly severe or it is felt you would have problems keeping tablets down.
