Food-poisoning incidents multiply in summer: bacteria breed fast in food left unrefrigerated. The gut usually "cleans itself" — your job is supporting it with fluids and knowing the red lines.
In short — what to do
- Fluids first and last: small frequent sips of water and ORS — replace after every vomit or stool.
- Rest the stomach for hours then start light foods (rice, toast, banana) whenever you feel like it.
- Don't stop the diarrhoea with medicines on your own — diarrhoea expels the toxin; stopping it may trap it.
- Avoid milk, fat and spice for two days.
- Check your co-diners: group illness from the same meal is important information for the doctor (and sometimes the municipality).
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The full details
Home care
- Fluids first and last: small frequent sips of water and ORS — replace after every vomit or stool.
- Rest the stomach for hours then start light foods (rice, toast, banana) whenever you feel like it.
- Don't stop the diarrhoea with medicines on your own — diarrhoea expels the toxin; stopping it may trap it.
- Avoid milk, fat and spice for two days.
- Check your co-diners: group illness from the same meal is important information for the doctor (and sometimes the municipality).
See a doctor or the ER if
- Dehydration signs: dizziness on standing, scant dark urine, dry mouth, lethargy.
- Blood in stool or vomit, or persistent high fever.
- Severe continuous or localised abdominal pain (not intermittent cramping).
- Vomiting that prevents any drinking for more than 12–24 hours.
- Fragile groups: pregnant, elderly, infants, immunocompromised — a much lower threshold.
- Suspected canned-food botulism (blurred vision, trouble swallowing or speaking) — ER immediately.
The summer rule
Two hours outside the fridge is the maximum for any cooked food — one hour in summer heat. In doubt: "throw it out, don't taste-test it" — failing that test means poisoning.
This content is for general health education only and is not medical advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, call 998.