First Aid & Emergencies

Food Poisoning Treatment

Call 911 if: You think the food poisoning may be from seafood or mushrooms, or if the person is severely dehydrated.

1. Control Nausea and Vomiting

• Avoid solid foods until vomiting ends. Then eat light, bland foods, such as saltine crackers or bread.
• Sipping soda may help prevent vomiting. 
• Don’t eat fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
• Don’t take anti-nausea or anti-diarrhea medication without asking your doctor. They may make some kinds of diarrhea worse. Your doctor may give you anti-nausea medication if you are at risk of being dehydrated.

2. Prevent Dehydration

• Drink clear fluids, starting with small sips and gradually drinking more.
• If vomiting and diarrhea last more than 24 hours, drink an oral rehydration solution.

3. When to Call a Doctor

Call a doctor immediately for diarrhea:

• That lasts more than 3 days
• That happens after you eat seafood or mushrooms
• Accompanied by a fever
• With blood or dark stools
• With prolonged vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down
• With signs of severe dehydration, such as dry mouth, decreased urination, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate or breathing rate