When food poisoning hits, should you visit the ER or AFC urgent care? Here’s our guide to finding the right care for food-related illnesses.
Even in our cozy corner of the foothills, food poisoning can strike when you least expect it. Maybe you were hoping to relax at Wolf Moon Salt Cave or treat the family to a movie night at Golden Ticket Cinemas. All it takes is one bad meal to turn a fun day into a miserable one.
When nausea, cramps or vomiting hit, it’s natural to wonder: should you head to the ER, or is a quick stop at AFC Lenoir enough? Let’s break down the symptoms and help you make the right call for your health.
Early Signs of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning often feels like a severe stomach bug. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites lurking in contaminated food. While symptoms may vary depending on the source, most people experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue or weakness
For many, these symptoms appear within a few hours of eating the contaminated food and fade after a couple of days. But if they linger or worsen, it may be time to seek medical care.
When to Visit Urgent Care
If your symptoms are mild to moderate, AFC Lenoir can help. Our medical providers treat non-life-threatening foodborne illnesses right here in our clinic, no appointment needed.
You should stop by urgent care if you’re experiencing:
- Mild dehydration: You can’t keep liquids down but aren’t showing severe signs like confusion or dizziness.
- Moderate abdominal pain: Our providers can prescribe medication to help manage your symptoms and monitor your recovery.
- Prolonged symptoms: If nausea, vomiting or diarrhea last longer than 48 hours, come in for an evaluation. We can rule out complications and help you recover faster.
When to Go to the ER
While urgent care can treat many cases, some symptoms are too serious to wait on. Food poisoning can be life-threatening for certain groups, including:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:
- Bloody diarrhea or diarrhea lasting more than three days.
- Severe dehydration (no urine, dizziness, confusion or rapid heartbeat).
- High fever with confusion (above 102°F).
- Uncontrollable vomiting or vomit that contains blood.
The ER has the advanced resources needed to handle complications like severe dehydration or kidney issues.
The Dangers of Food Poisoning
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 1 in 6 Americans suffer from a foodborne illness each year. While America has one of the safest food supplies in the world, anyone can get a food-related illness or infection.
Not all cases of food poisoning are the same. Depending on the bacteria or virus involved, some can lead to more serious conditions such as:
- Meningitis
- Kidney damage or failure
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
- Arthritis or nerve damage
For persons who are at a greater risk of serious consequences, specific illnesses and infections can result in the following:
- Botulism can lead to respiratory failure and death in anyone.
- Listeria can cause miscarriages, stillbirth, premature delivery or a dangerous infection for a newborn.
- Listeria may also cause bacteremia or meningitis in the elderly and immunocompromised.
These complications are rare but highlight why it’s so important to seek care when symptoms don’t improve.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
Foodborne illnesses often start with poor food handling or storage. You can greatly reduce your risk by following a few simple steps:
1. Cook foods thoroughly.
Use a food thermometer to ensure 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 (one hour if it’s hot outside). Always store food in airtight containers and keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods. Remember that refrigerated leftovers are good for three to four days and frozen leftovers are safe for three to four months.
3. Practice good hygiene.
Wash your hands before and after handling food. Disinfect kitchen surfaces and cutting boards, and rinse fruits and vegetables before eating.
Your Health Matters to Us
Whether you’re dealing with a mild case of food poisoning or something that feels more severe, your health and comfort come first. Choose care that fits your needs. AFC Lenoir is here seven days a week with convenient walk-in care for non-emergency medical needs. If your symptoms persist or you’re unsure how serious your case might be, stop by our clinic for a quick evaluation. Our medical team can help you get the relief you need, whether it’s at our clinic or elsewhere.
