Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for food poisoning. This is an illness that can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is caused by eating food that contains germs, such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Germs can get into food if a sick person doesn't wash their hands and then touches food, if food is not washed or cooked enough, or if germs from one food get on another food.
Your symptoms will likely go away on their own in a few days. But some people might need antibiotics. If you got antibiotics, it is very important that you finish them, even if you start to feel better.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Rest if you feel tired.
●Drinks lots of fluids to stay hydrated. If you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, suck on small ice chips. You can also take small sips of an oral electrolyte solution, or juice mixed with water. Increase the amount slowly if you do not vomit after 2 hours.
●When you feel ready to try eating, start with foods with a lot of fluid in them. Good examples are soup, gelatin, and ice pops. If this goes well, you can try soft, bland foods. Foods that are high in carbohydrates ("carbs"), like bread or saltine crackers, can help settle your stomach. Ginger can also help with nausea.
●Wash your hands with soap and water often. Always wash before making food and eating. Wash after changing diapers, going to the bathroom, blowing your nose, touching animals, or taking out the trash.
●Stay home from school or work until you feel better. Do not cook food for others until you feel better.
●If you are an adult and do not have a fever or blood in your bowel movements, you can try taking anti-diarrhea medicines available without a prescription. Do not give anti-diarrhea medicines to children.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•You have signs of severe fluid loss, such as:
-Not urinating for longer than 8 hours
-Feeling very lightheaded or like you are going to pass out
-Feeling weak like you are going to fall
•Your belly pain gets worse, comes more often, or moves to 1 area of your belly.
•You vomit blood or have blood in your bowel movements.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you:
●Have a fever of 101.5 F (38.5°C) or higher, or chills
●Have more than 6 loose bowel movements in 24 hours
●Vomit for longer than 24 hours
●Cannot keep fluids down
●Develop early signs of fluid loss, such as:
•Dark urine
•Dry mouth
•Muscle cramps
•Lack of energy
•Feeling lightheaded when you get up
●Have new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Food poisoning (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in babies and children (The Basics)
Patient education: Bland diet (The Basics)
Patient education: Foodborne illness (food poisoning) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in infants and children (Beyond the Basics)
