Your Path To Instant Relief From Food Poisoning

You have been experiencing worse abdominal pain, persistent nausea and vomiting for an hour or two. And it all goes back to the not-so-healthy food you ate last night at the party.

Your energy is already drained, and you are trying to figure out what to do. This is a critical moment! Don’t hesitate. Walk into our clinic now and get the urgent care you need for quick relief.

Our healthcare professionals will evaluate your symptoms quickly and provide the right treatment for you.

But before we delve into the nitty-gritty of food poisoning treatment at urgent care, let’s untie all the knots of doubt regarding food poisoning symptoms and when you should seek care.

Some Telltale Signs & Symptoms Of Food Poisoning ​

Here are some common symptoms of food poisoning that require immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional:

  • Nausea and persistent vomiting
  • Loose, watery diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 days
  • Fever (usually over 102 F)
  • Moderate to severe abdominal cramps
  • Intolerable to solid or liquid foods
  • Dehydration (dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, inability to urinate)

If you notice any of the above symptoms for a day or two, consult a doctor immediately to get prompt treatment and prevent further complications.

Note that if you experience blood in your vomit or stool, extreme abdominal pain, high fever and severe dehydration, you need to visit an emergency care facility rather than an urgent care centre to receive proper nursing and specialized treatment.

urgent care or emergency room for food poisoning

How Food Poisoning Occurs?

Food poisoning occurs when you eat food or drink water that has been contaminated with bacteria, parasites, viruses or fungi. Common causes of food poisoning include the bacteria E. coli and Staphylococcus. These bacteria might get into your food in different ways, such as raw food that has not been properly cooked or contaminated water used to grow crops. Moreover, improper food handling, such as poor storage conditions or poor hygiene among food handlers, can also contribute to food poisoning in many people.

How Long Do Food Poisoning Symptoms Last?

The recovery time from food poisoning depends on the type of pathogen causing it and the severity of the illness. In healthy patients, food poisoning symptoms may last 12 to 48 hours, depending on age, immune status, and overall health. It also depends on how long it takes to remove the pathogen or germs from the body.

For people with diabetes or other medical conditions, recovery time may be prolonged compared to healthy individuals due to a weakened immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections.

What Can You Expect In Family Urgent Care For Food Poisoning?

The extent and duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms and condition. Our healthcare providers at urgent care assess your symptoms, review your medical history and ask you about the foods you ate recently.

If needed, the provider will order lab tests to identify the type of pathogen that has entered your body. Once the lab results are obtained, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and other appropriate medicines to improve your symptoms.

One crucial step in food poisoning is replacing fluids and electrolytes, a vital lifesaving measure to prevent dehydration. Therefore, the doctor will offer quick IV fluid replacement therapy to help restore fluid levels in your system.

Also, if you notice any concerning symptoms at home and can’t commute to the clinic, you can consult our healthcare professionals by booking phone or video consultations.

FAQ's

At Family Urgent Care, testing depends on your symptoms and severity. We may order:

  • Stool tests to identify bacteria, viruses, or parasites
  • Blood tests to check for infection or dehydration
  • Urine tests to assess hydration levels

The results help determine the right treatment, such as antibiotics or rehydration therapy.

Both can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but their causes are different. Food poisoning happens after eating contaminated food or water (from bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella). On the other hand, stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis) is caused by a virus, often spreading from person to person. Food poisoning usually comes on suddenly within hours of eating, while the stomach flu can take 1–2 days to appear after exposure.
“Gastro” (short for gastroenteritis) refers to inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which bacteria, viruses, or toxins can cause. On the other hand, food poisoning is a type of gastroenteritis caused by contaminated food or water.

Food Poisoning

How to Improve Your Immunity So You Can Avoid Illness