You've got food poisoning, now what? Here's how long those symptoms will likely last.

• Food poisoning effects kick in within several hours after digesting the contaminated substances.
• Food poisoning can last a day or less for some and up to a week for others.
• Drink water to stay hydrated when you have food poisoning.

Food poisoning is a harsh and often unexpected illness affecting your digestive tract, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It’s a common sickness, with 48 million Americans acquiring a “foodborne disease” every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

It is contracted through “viruses, bacteria, and parasites” present in food and drink, the institute says. These harmful foreign contaminators can be caused by a failure to correctly prepare or cook food. Most foreign pathogens should be eliminated by the cooking process, according to the institute. 

How long does food poisoning last?

The effects of food poisoning begin several hours after digesting the contaminated substances – and usually won’t occur unnoticed. On rare occasions, food poisoning symptoms can take days to make themselves known, so don’t always expect an immediate reaction if you fear you ate contaminated food.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says the length of food poisoning can vary, lasting only a day or less for some and up to a week for others.

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What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

Symptoms can include stomach issues, such as cramps and vomiting; fever, nausea and diarrhea.

Dangerous food poisoning circumstances include over three days of drastic symptoms, such as diarrhea, a fever of 102 or higher, dehydration or effects to sight or speech. 

What to do if you have food poisoning

The best remedy for food poisoning is rest. Most of the time food poisoning will find its way out of your system, and, after a period of bad days and nights, your body will naturally recover.

Hydration isvital, as well, the CDC says. A consistent intake of water can keep your body fighting off the germs stay in peak shape. Some people have recommended sports drinks like Gatorade, due to its electrolyte supply, but the CDC advises against it. The CDC also suggests when serious symptoms occur you should consult your health care provider.

What illnesses are similar to food poisoning?

The stomach flu and food poisoning are often compared to each other, and, while there are significant similarities, the timing sets them apart. Stomach flu symptoms appear between 12 hours and two days of contracting the illness, according to the CDC, whereas food poisoning is generally nearly immediate and symptomatic within hours of contracting it.

The COVID-19 omicron variant has similar symptoms, too, including vomiting, a fever, and nausea, says the CDC. Omicron, though, can last in your body up to two weeks until symptoms even begin to appear and require a full quarantine to ensure that the coronavirus does not continue to spread.

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