Food poisoning treatment
Food poisoning can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and dehydration, making prompt medical advice crucial. Our Australian-registered online doctors are available 24/7 to provide expert guidance. Get a telehealth consultation from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia, and receive medical support within just 15 minutes.
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When to consult a GP for a food poisoning?
Food poisoning often improves with rest and hydration, but medical attention may be necessary in certain cases. You should consult a GP or online doctor if you experience:
- Severe or prolonged symptoms: Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
- Signs of dehydration: Dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, or excessive thirst
- High fever: Persistent fever above 38.5°C
- Bloody stool or vomit: This could indicate a more serious infection or complication
- Severe stomach pain: Intense or persistent pain beyond normal cramping
- Symptoms in vulnerable individuals: Babies, young children, older adults, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems
- Neurological symptoms: Blurred vision, muscle weakness, or difficulty swallowing, which could indicate a more serious bacterial toxin
Please note: While telehealth can help in managing food poisoning, serious complications require in-person medical care. In emergencies, always call 000 or visit the nearest hospital.
Get an online doctor’s consultation for medical advice for food poisoning instantly.
Food poisoning treatment options
Telehealth appointment
From $39
Up to 8 mins consult
Covid antivirals
From $59
Up to 8 mins consultMedical certificate online
From $14.90
For a single day certificateOnline referrals
From $39
Up to 8 mins consult
Online scripts
From $19.90
For a single scriptBulk billed mental health plan
100% bulk billed
20 mins consultHow telehealth works
Get immediate medical support for food poisoning with AHPRA-registered online doctors and health practitioners through telehealth. Here’s how virtual healthcare can assist:
- 24/7 medical access: Connect with an after-hours doctor anytime, anywhere
- Quick consultations: Speak with a qualified practitioner within 15 minutes for fast medical advice.
- Instant prescriptions: Request instant scripts online for nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea medications, sent directly via SMS and can be delivered home through online pharmacy delivery.
- Sick leave certificates: Get medical certificate online for work or school without a clinic visit.
- Online referrals: Get online doctor referrals for blood tests, pathology, radiology, or specialists if needed.
- Mental health support: Access bulk-billed mental health care plans from the comfort of your home
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About food poisoning
Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. It occurs when food is tainted with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins, leading to gastroenteritis. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, and Listeria, often found in undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, raw seafood, and contaminated produce.
Symptoms of food poisoningSymptoms usually develop within hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food and can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick or throwing up frequently
- Diarrhoea: Loose or watery stools. In some cases, particularly with bacterial infections such as E. coli, diarrhea may contain blood
- Stomach pain and cramps: Discomfort or sharp pains in the abdomen
- Fever and chills: Elevated body temperature with shivering
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling extremely tired or drained
- Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to nausea
- Dehydration: Dry mouth, dizziness, low urine output, or excessive thirst
Food poisoning causes
Food poisoning occurs when food or drinks become contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. Below are the most common causes:
- Bacterial contamination: Certain bacteria multiply rapidly in food, producing toxins that cause illness. Common bacterial culprits include:
- Salmonella: Found in raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and unpasteurised dairy.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): Present in undercooked beef, contaminated water, and raw vegetables.
- Listeria: Found in unpasteurised dairy products, deli meats, and smoked seafood.
- Clostridium perfringens: Grows in food left at unsafe temperatures, like buffets or reheated meals.
- Viral infections: Certain viruses can spread through contaminated food and water:
- Norovirus: Highly contagious and commonly found in raw shellfish, leafy greens, and infected surfaces.
- Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated water or food handled by infected individuals.
- Parasitic infections: Though less common, some parasites can cause foodborne illness:
- Giardia and Cryptosporidium: Found in contaminated water.
- Toxoplasma gondii: Present in undercooked meat, affecting pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
- Toxins and chemicals: Some foods naturally produce toxins, while others become toxic due to contamination:
- Mold and mycotoxins: Found in spoiled food, nuts, and grains.
- Heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead): Can contaminate fish and water sources.
- Pesticides and food additives: Found in improperly washed produce or processed foods.
- Improper food handling: Poor hygiene and incorrect food storage can lead to contamination:
- Cross-contamination: Using the same cutting board for raw meat and vegetables.
- Unsafe storage: Leaving perishable foods at room temperature for too long.
- Undercooking: Not cooking meat, eggs, or seafood to the recommended temperature.
- Unclean hands or surfaces: Handling food with unwashed hands or using dirty utensils.
Medically reviewed by Dr.Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does food poisoning last?
Most cases resolve within 24 to 72 hours, but more severe infections (such as Salmonella or Listeria) can last a week or more and may require medical treatment.
Can I get a medical certificate for food poisoning through telehealth?
Yes. If food poisoning prevents you from working or attending school, you can request a medical certificate online after a quick review from an online health practitioner. To obtain a telehealth medical certificate you need to:
- Start here and click on request a medical certificate
- Choose the type of certificate you need
- Fill in your details and make payment
- A registered practitioner will review your request
- If approved, a sick certificate online will be mailed to you within 15 minutes
Can food poisoning be contagious?
Yes. Certain types, like norovirus, can spread through contaminated surfaces, food, and close contact with infected individuals. Washing hands and disinfecting surfaces can prevent transmission.
Can food poisoning cause long-term health problems?
In rare cases, severe food poisoning can lead to chronic digestive issues, kidney problems, or neurological complications, especially if caused by E. coli or Listeria. If symptoms persist beyond a week, seek medical advice.
How do I book a telehealth consultation for food poisoning?
You can easily connect with an AHPRA-registered GP online through this step-by-step guide:
- Visit Hola Health.
- Select “See a doctor now” for an instant consult.
- Enter your details and make payment through a secure portal.
- Speak with an AHPRA-accredited practitioner via video call within minutes.
- Receive an eScript, medical certificate, or referral if required.
Can I see a doctor after-hours for food poisoning in Australia?
Yes, you can see a 24-hour doctor for food poisoning in Australia through telehealth services. Hola Health offers 24/7 virtual consultations, allowing you to speak with an AHPRA-registered doctor from the comfort of your home, even late at night, on weekends, or during public holidays. Whether you are in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or the rural regions of Australia, get connected with a web doctor or health practitioner within 15 minutes, 24/7.
How do I prevent food poisoning?
To avoid foodborne illness, here are some home remedies and prevention tips:
- Cook meat, poultry, and seafood thoroughly
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly
- Wash hands and utensils after handling raw foods
- Avoid raw or unpasteurized dairy and juices
- Be cautious with leftovers and reheating food properly
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