Is food poisoning the same for everyone? Learn more about foodborne illnesses & when urgent care can help. Stop by today, we accept walk-ins!
Food poisoning can sneak up on anyone, anywhere. Was it that salad you ate for lunch before taking your child to their music lesson at Lanti Performing Arts or that weird-tasting chicken from two nights ago? You may not remember what exactly caused this uneasy feeling in your stomach, but something you ate is definitely not sitting right.
According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), 1 in 6 Americans experience a foodborne illness each year – that’s nearly 48 million cases annually. While most people recover within a few days, some infections can lead to serious complications. Understanding the various types of food poisoning can help you decide when to seek extra care.
What Is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, occurs when you eat food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. Contamination can happen at any point in the food’s journey – from production to preparation, and it only takes a small amount to cause illness. In some cases, molds, toxins, contaminants and allergens have also been linked to food poisoning. Even food that looks, smells and tastes normal can still contain dangerous microorganisms.
Food Poisoning Types
While there are many possible causes of foodborne illness, a few types occur more often than others. Each type is determined by the germ you ingested. Below are some of the most common germs and organisms that cause food poisoning.
| Germ/Bacteria | Time for Symptoms to Appear | Symptoms | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campylobacter | 2–5 days | Diarrhea (often bloody), fever and stomach cramps. | Raw or undercooked poultry, raw (unpasteurized) milk and contaminated water. |
| Clostridium botulinum (Botulism) | 12–72 hours | Vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, muscle weakness, double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and difficulty moving eyes. | Improperly canned or fermented foods, homemade alcohol (pruno), and baked potatoes in aluminum foil. |
| Clostridium perfringens | 6–24 hours | Diarrhea, stomach cramps that last for less than 24 hours. | Meat, poultry, gravies and other foods cooked in large batches and held at unsafe temperatures. |
| Cyclospora | At least 1 week | Watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps, bloating, increased gas, nausea and fatigue. | Raw fruits or vegetables and herbs |
| E. coli (Escherichia coli) | 1-4 days | Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody or watery), vomiting, nausea and fatigue. | Raw or undercooked ground beef, raw (unpasteurized) milk and juice, raw vegetables (such as lettuce), raw sprouts and water or food contaminated with human feces. |
| Listeria (Invasive Illness) | 2 weeks | Fever and flu-like symptoms (such as muscle aches and fatigue), headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures. | Queso fresco and other soft cheeses, raw sprouts, melons, hot dogs, pâtés, deli meats, smoked fish and raw (unpasteurized) milk. |
| Norovirus | 12-48 hours | Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain. Fever, headache and body aches are also possible. |
Leafy greens, fresh fruits, shellfish (such as raw oysters), contaminated water, infected people and touching surfaces that have the virus on them. |
| Salmonella | 6 hours to 6 days | Diarrhea (can be bloody), fever, stomach cramps and vomiting. | Raw or undercooked meats (particularly chicken and turkey), eggs, unpasteurized (raw) milk and juice, raw fruits and vegetables. In addition, many animals, including backyard poultry, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals can carry salmonella. |
| Staphylococcus aureus (Staph food poisoning) | 30 minutes to 8 hours | Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea. | Unrefrigerated or improperly refrigerated meats, potato and egg salads, cream pastries, puddings or sandwiches. |
| Vibrio | Within 24 hours | Watery diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and chills. | Undercooked or raw seafood, such as shellfish (especially oysters). |
Common Symptoms
Food poisoning can be tricky to recognize because symptoms often resemble the flu. Depending on what caused the illness, symptoms may appear within a few hours or take a few days to develop.
Typical signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever or chills
- Dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness or dark urine)
In most mild cases, symptoms improve within a few days with rest and fluids. However, if your condition worsens or doesn’t improve, it’s best to get checked by a health care provider. Stop by AFC Indian Trail for a fast and thorough assessment!
When Food Poisoning Becomes Dangerous
While most people recover from food poisoning at home, some infections can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Severe foodborne illnesses may cause:
- Dehydration from excessive vomiting or diarrhea.
- Kidney damage (especially from certain E. coli strains).
- Meningitis
- Arthritis or nerve complications.
- Pregnancy complications, including miscarriage or premature delivery.
Those at highest risk of complications include young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. If you or a loved one fall into one of these groups, it’s important to seek care at the first sign of symptoms.
When to Visit Urgent Care
It can be hard to know when food poisoning requires medical attention. If you’re experiencing any of the following, visit AFC Indian Trail for compassionate care:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than two days.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
- High fever over 101.5°F.
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, extreme thirst, little or no urination).
- Blood in stool or vomit.
Our medical team can assess your symptoms, determine the likely cause, and provide treatment to help you feel better faster. In some cases, testing or medication may be recommended to prevent further complications.
Stop Your Symptoms with AFC
You don’t have to wait for an appointment to start feeling better. At AFC Indian Trail, our walk-in clinic is open seven days a week, offering quick, affordable care for foodborne illnesses and other urgent health concerns.
If you’re feeling sick after something you ate, don’t hesitate to stop by our clinic. Our experienced medical providers will help you get back on your feet and back to your routine in no time.
