Common symptoms
What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes sudden
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Weakness or feeling run down
Stomach & digestion
Food poisoning: virtual care options
Food poisoning is illness caused by eating food or drinks contaminated with germs or the toxins they make. Symptoms can start within hours or take a few days to appear, and most cases pass on their own with rest and fluids.
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What a virtual visit may involve
Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.
- An online visit where a licensed provider asks what you ate, when symptoms started, and how you are feeling now
- Guidance on rest, fluids, and when to start eating again
- Treatment for symptoms, if a provider thinks it is appropriate
- Advice on when a stool test or in-person visit makes sense
When in-person care may be better
Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.
- Symptoms have not improved after a few days
- You are pregnant, an older adult, or have a weakened immune system
- A young child is sick and not drinking well
- Several people got sick from the same food and a provider wants testing
When to go to the ER
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Bloody diarrhea or black stool
- High fever with severe stomach pain
- Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness, confusion, or a racing heart
- Blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, or trouble swallowing, speaking, or breathing
- You cannot keep any liquids down
Ready to explore a virtual visit for Food poisoning?
Check availability, pricing, and care details directly with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.
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Common questions
Food poisoning, answered.
General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.
How long does food poisoning last?
Many cases last from a few hours to a few days. Some types take longer to start or to clear. If symptoms go on for more than three days, or you see warning signs, get medical care.
How do I know if it is food poisoning or a stomach bug?
They can feel very similar, and it is often hard to tell without testing. Food poisoning may start soon after a particular meal or affect several people who ate the same food. A provider can help sort out the likely cause.
When should I go to the ER for food poisoning?
Go to an emergency room if you have bloody stool, a high fever, signs of dehydration, or trouble seeing, swallowing, or breathing. Pregnant people and older adults should be especially careful to get checked.
This is not for emergencies.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.