What Is Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses or toxins in the food we eat. Some of these toxins are found naturally in foods, while some have accumulated in the environment.
If you have food poisoning youll probably have gastroenteritis symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting, or flu-like symptoms. Food poisoning can also cause serious long-term problems like kidney failure. Occasionally people die from food poisoning.
Some wild mushrooms, including the death cap, are extremely poisonous. You should not eat wild-harvested mushrooms unless they have been definitely identified as safe. Seek immediate medical treatment If you think you may have eaten poisonous mushrooms.
Large fish, such as shark, swordfish and marlin, may accumulate relatively high levels of mercury. You should limit your consumption of these fish, especially if you are a child, are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
How Can I Avoid The Flu
Getting a flu shot every year is recommended for all people from 6 months. Many people in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year under the National Immunisation Program.
While not 100% effective, the vaccine provides a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.
Anyone in these at-risk groups with flu-like symptoms should see their doctor as soon as possible.
The original recommended timing between receipt of the 2 vaccines was a preferred minimum interval of 2 weeks .
Based on the latest medical advice the preferred minimum interval between vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu is now 7 days.
What Causes The Stomach Bug
Several different viruses may cause the stomach bug. Viruses that most frequently cause it include norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.
The norovirus alone causes up to 21 million cases of the stomach bug in the United States each year. Other viruses such as astroviruses can also cause this condition.
Stomach bug caused by a rotavirus or norovirus infection is highly contagious. In the United States, infection most commonly occurs between October and April. The most common way to contract the virus is from direct contact with someone who is sick.
You can also contract the virus from contact with something someone infected has touched that contains their stool, saliva, or vomit substance with the virus in it.
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What Are The Symptoms And Causes Of Food Poisoning
You may be sick with food poisoning but not know what food caused it or even that you have it. Different bacteria and viruses can have different effects:
- Salmonella: gastro and flu-like symptoms can appear between 8 and 72 hours after eating the infected food and last for 2 to 5 days.
- Campylobacter: gastro symptoms appear in 2 to 5 days, and last for 2 to 10 days.
- Listeria: gastro or flu-like symptoms usually appear within 3 weeks, but can take up to 70 days.
- Norovirus or rotavirus: severe gastro or flu-like symptoms usually begin 24 to 48 hours after exposure and last 1 or 2 days or up to 6 days .
- E. coli: gastro symptoms usually appear in 3 to 4 days and last about 1 week.
Food needs to be stored, handled and cooked carefully and at temperatures that avoid the spread and growth of bacteria that can make you sick. Read about preparing food safely.
When Are People With Covid Most Contagious
The CDC says that its guidelines were updated to reflect growing evidence that suggests transmission of COVID-19 often occurs one to two days before the onset of symptoms and during the two to three days afterward.
“This has to do with data from the CDC that really showed after seven days there’s virtually no risk of transmission at this point,” Arwady said. “And in that five-to-seven-day window, you know, there’s some depending on whether people have been vaccinated, underlying conditions, etc., but the risk drops a lot and the feeling is that in the general population, combined with masking, etc. the risk really is very low.”
For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test.
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Antiviral Medication Can Sometimes Treat The Flu But Not A Flu
There are antiviral medications that can lessen the severity and duration of symptoms caused by the influenza virus. However theyre usually only beneficial if taken within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms. There are no such medications for the viruses that cause flu-like illnesses. If you have a virus that is not influenza or if you have the influenza virus but have already been sick for several days then treatment is aimed at easing symptoms.
Hour Flu General Information
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When Is The Best Time To Get Tested After Exposure
The CDC states that anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should test five days after their exposure, or as soon as symptoms occur.
“If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19,” the guidance states.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that incubation times could be changing, but those who test early should continue testing even if they get negative results.
“We might be learning that the time of incubation might be a little shorter. So maybe you’d be testing at two days,” Ezike said. “Obviously if you’re symptomatic, you test right away. But you know, if you want to test at two days, but that negative test… the two days should not make you think, ‘Oh good, I’m clear,’ you know? You might want to test again and of course symptoms you cannot ignore – scratchy throat, headaches, all kinds of symptoms – anything new can be a symptom of this new illness.”
Does A Fever Mean I Have Coronavirus
A high temperature is 37.8C or above. A fever like this can happen when the body is fighting off any infection – not just coronavirus.
It is best to use a thermometer. But if you don’t have one, check if you, or the person you are worried about, feels hot to the touch on the chest or back.
A high temperature is unlikely with a cold.
If you have a fever, arrange a coronavirus test – you can also use the NHS 111 coronavirus service online.
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When Should You Call A Doctor
The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:
- Trouble breathing
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”
You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.
Is It Flu Or A Cold
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have flu or just a cold, as the symptoms can be quite similar. The main differences are:
Flu symptoms:
- usually include fever and aching muscles
- make you feel too unwell to continue your usual activities
Cold symptoms:
- come on gradually
- mainly affect your nose and throat
- are fairly mild, so you can still get around and are usually well enough to go to work
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What Kind Of Test Should You Use If You Do Want To Test Before Leaving Isolation
The CDC recommends antigen testing for those looking to test before leaving isolation.
Arwady said that guidance is likely related to determining whether or not someone has an “active” virus.
“If you did want to get a test on please don’t get a PCR. Use it rapid antigen test,” she said. “Why? Because the rapid antigen test is the one that will look to see…do you have a high enough COVID level that you are potentially infectious? Now, a PCR test, remember, can pick up up sort of traces of the virus for a long time, even if that virus is bad and even if it’s not potentially transmitting. We sometimes see PCR tests stay positive for weeks even after someone has been infected. But… that is not live COVID that you can grow on a plate that is spreading.”
When To Visit Your Gp
If you are otherwise fit and healthy, there’s usually no need to visit your GP if you have flu-like symptoms.
You should just rest at home until you feel better, while keeping warm, drinking plenty of water and taking painkillers if necessary.
In these cases, your GP may suggest taking antiviral medication.
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Preventing The Stomach Bug
Even though the stomach bug is sometimes called the stomach flu, your annual flu vaccine will not prevent it. Different types of viruses cause the stomach bug. Antibiotics will not help treat the stomach bug because antibiotics work to treat bacterial infections, not viruses.
Take measures to prevent yourself from transmitting the stomach flu to others. Youre typically the most contagious when youre feeling the worst and a few days afterward. The bug can stay in your stool for up to two weeks .
Wash your hands often and stay home from work or school for at least a few days after you feel better.
You should also consider having your baby get the vaccine against the rotavirus when theyre 2 months old.
What Are The Symptoms
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Less common symptoms can include low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms usually begin 1 or 2 days after ingesting the virus, but may appear as early as 12 hours after exposure. The illness typically comes on suddenly. The infected person may feel very sick and vomit often, sometimes without warning, many times a day. Sometimes people infected with norovirus have no symptoms at all, but can still pass the virus to others.
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Where Can I Obtain A Flu Vaccine
The vaccine is available at the majority of physicians offices. Additionally, you can obtain the vaccine at:
- pharmacies
- medical clinics that accept walk-in patients
- health departments of counties or cities
On-site flu shot clinics are also available at some workplaces and schools, though many are closed because of the COVID-19 epidemic. As flu season approaches, those that remain open will begin advertising flu shots. Some even provide incentives such as coupons to encourage vaccination.
If you are unable to locate a flu shot provider, you might utilize a flu shot locator, such as the Vaccine Finder. This website has a directory of businesses, their phone numbers, and operating hours.
These Treatments May Include The Following:
- Cold medications that are available over-the-counter .
- maintaining hydration.
- Obtaining adequate rest.
When it comes to the flu, taking flu medicine early in the viruss cycle may help lower the severity of the illness and shorten the time of the illness. Rest and hydration are also good for people who are suffering from the flu. As with the common cold, the flu frequently requires time to work through your body.
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What Are The Symptoms To Watch For After Covid Exposure
With some omicron cases, particularly breakthrough infections in those who are boosted and vaccinated, remaining mild, many are wondering how to tell if it’s a cold, the flu or COVID-19.
“If you think it’s a cold, if you think it’s the flu, it’s probably COVID,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in a press conference late last month. “We need you to stay home if you’re not feeling well.”
Arwady said that now, those who are fully vaccinated aren’t necessarily getting “seriously ill and having fevers for days and difficult breathing,” but are instead experiencing a more mild illness.
“They may only feel like they have a cold,” she said. “That’s good because they’re not getting seriously sick, they’re not threatening the healthcare system, but it’s certainly of some concern because they do have the potential to transmit to others.”
The unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said.
Arwady’s comments echo those of other medical experts who are watching omicron cases.
Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last week that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.
Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.
Is The Influenza Flu Contagious
If you have the flu, you are contagious in other words, you can pass the flu to others. Numerous people can spread the virus up to a day before they develop symptoms. In other words, you may be transmitting the virus even before you become sick.
You may still be spreading the virus five to seven days after developing symptoms. Children under the age of seven are frequently capable of transmitting the virus for more than seven days after symptoms first occur.
People with a weakened immune system may also experience virus symptoms for a longer period of time. Stay at home if you have the flu or other flu-like symptoms. Preventing the viruss spread to other people.
If you are diagnosed, notify anyone with whom you had contacted the day before your symptoms began.
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How Can I Best Practice Prevention
Doctors say the best thing you can do to keep from getting sick is get the flu vaccine at the start of flu season. It may protect you from getting the flu, or it can make your symptoms less severe. The CDC says the flu vaccination also reduces deaths, admissions to the intensive care unit , how long people stay in the ICU, and the amount of time people spend in a hospital from the flu.
If you have a condition like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, or some other condition that suppresses your immune system, or if you are older, you may also want to avoid crowds if a flu epidemic is sweeping your area.
If you have an underlying illness and get the flu, you are more likely to get complications of flu, like pneumonia, and have to go to the hospital, Schaffner says. So it might be time to be a bit reclusive if there is a flu outbreak where you live.
Research shows your exercise and stress reduction habits can help protect you against these types of illnesses. Bruce Barrett, MD, PhD, of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, is the principal investigator of two studies, including one published in 2018, that find regular exercise and meditation can help fight off illnesses that are common this time of year.
Regular exercise supports a healthy immune system. Both exercise and meditation can help to regulate the stress response, and thereby reduce the negative effects that stress can impose on the bodys immune systems, Barrett says.
What Should You Do If You Think You Have The Flu Or A Flu
For otherwise healthy patients, the CDC says you can expect to be sick with the flu for several days to 2 weeks. Flu-like illness is similar.
If a patient feels having an extra day or two of being back to work is beneficial, then seek the care of a physician and inquire about an antiviral, Ison says. If symptoms are mild and you want to tough it out at home, that is reasonable too.
But if you have underlying medical conditions, are pregnant, or have other high-risk conditions, you may be likely to get more serious infections, hospitalization, or even death from flu complications, so experts say dont try to manage the illness alone.
If you are at high risk go see your doctor early. If you are a person with an underlying medical condition, a child less than 2, or a person over 65, dont wait. Go see a doctor early and let them decide if you should be treated with antivirals, says Campbell, the CDC medical officer.
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What About A Cough
If you have a cold or flu you may well have a cough, along with other symptoms.
Flu usually comes on suddenly and sufferers will often experience muscle aches, chills, headaches, tiredness, a sore throat and a runny or stuffed nose, along with the cough. It feels worse than a heavy cold.
Colds tend to develop more gradually and are less severe, although they do still make you feel unwell. Along with a cough, there may be sneezing and a sore throat and runny nose. Fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches are rare.
A coronavirus cough means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing fits or “episodes” in 24 hours.
If you usually have a cough because of a long-standing medical condition like COPD, it may be worse than usual.
You should get tested for coronavirus if you develop a new, continuous cough.