Can’t decide between urgent care or the ER? Don’t let your food poisoning go untreated. Visit an AFC clinic today, we’re open 7 days a week. 

Whether you’re enjoying a picnic by the Tennessee River, attending your kid’s hockey game at Cool Sports, or exploring the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, food poisoning can strike when you least expect it. One bad meal – even from a few days ago – can turn a good day into a long night of stomach cramps and nausea. 

When that happens, many people wonder: Should I head to urgent care or the ER? Do they both offer relief for food poisoning? The short answer is yes! Both types of facilities offer care for food-related illnesses and infections, but knowing the difference can save you time, money and a lot of discomfort. 

Visit an AFC East Tennessee clinic today! 

Recognizing the Early Signs of Food Poisoning 

Food poisoning often feels a lot like the stomach flu, which can make it hard to tell what’s really going on. It happens when you eat or drink something contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites. Depending on what caused it, symptoms can appear within a few hours or sometimes even a day or two later. 

Common symptoms include: 

• Nausea or vomiting 
• Stomach cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Fever 
• Fatigue or weakness 

Most cases are mild and clear up on their own after a day or two of rest, fluids and a bland diet. But if symptoms linger or get worse, it’s time to seek medical attention. 

When to Visit Urgent Care 

If your symptoms are mild to moderate, AFC Urgent Care is the place to go. Our clinics are equipped to diagnose and treat most cases of food poisoning. We accept most insurance plans, offer self-pay options and shorter wait times than the ER. 

Visit your nearest AFC clinic if you’re experiencing: 

• Mild dehydration: You’re having trouble keeping fluids down but not showing severe signs like confusion or dizziness. 
• Ongoing nausea or stomach pain: Our providers can evaluate your condition and prescribe medication to help you stay comfortable while you recover. 
• Symptoms lasting longer than 48 hours: If things aren’t improving after a couple of days, we’ll help determine if you need further testing or treatment. 

Our walk-in clinics offer fast, affordable care to help you feel better as soon as possible. 

When to Go to the ER 

While urgent care can handle many cases, some situations call for emergency medical attention. Food poisoning can become dangerous, especially for certain groups – like young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. 

Go to the nearest emergency room if you or a loved one experiences: 

• Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days. 
• Severe dehydration (confusion, rapid heartbeat or little to no urine).  
• High fever with confusion (temperature above 101.5°F). 
• Uncontrollable vomiting or vomit containing blood. 

Emergency rooms have the specialized tools and resources to treat serious complications such as severe dehydration or organ stress. 

Understanding the Risks of Food Poisoning 

While most people recover fully, some cases of food poisoning can lead to more serious health problems. Depending on the type of bacteria or toxin involved, complications might include: 

• Meningitis 
• Kidney damage or failure 
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), this could also lead to kidney damage. 
• Arthritis or nerve damage 

These complications are rare, but they’re a reminder that food poisoning should always be taken seriously, especially if symptoms are intense or persistent. 

Tips for Preventing Food Poisoning 

The best way to protect yourself is to practice safe food handling, storage and preparation habits. 

1. Cook foods thoroughly.
Use a food thermometer to make sure meats reach safe internal temperatures:

• Ground meats: 160°F 
• Poultry: 165°F 
• Beef, pork, veal and lamb: 145°F 
• Fish and shellfish: 145°F 
• Eggs: 160°F 

2. Store food safely.
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking (or one hour if it’s warm outside). Keep cold foods chilled and store everything in airtight containers. Leftovers in a fridge are safe for three to four days, whereas leftovers in a freezer are good for three to four months. 

3. Practice good hygiene.
Always wash your hands before and after handling food. Keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat items and sanitize countertops, utensils and cutting boards. And don’t forget to wash your fruits and veggies!

Choose What’s Best for You 

Food poisoning can be miserable, but with the right care and a little rest, most people recover quickly. No matter which AFC Urgent Care location you visit in Southeast Tennessee, you’ll find the same friendly staff and trusted medical care. Our clinics are open seven days a week, and walk-ins are always welcome. 

While we pride ourselves on offering a diverse range of services, we understand that sometimes dire situations call for emergency medical care. Choose a facility that meets your needs because your health should never be compromised.