Dubai: Food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is contaminated by bacteria such as salmonella or E. coli, or a virus. While most get people better by drinking plenty of fluids, eating easily digested food, and taking enough rest, food poisoning can be fatal in some cases.
According to Dr Gulam Naroo, senior specialist in Emergency Medicine at Rashid Hospital, Dubai, the symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to severe. “Mild conditions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever and in some cases muscle pain and chills,” he told Gulf News.
If the symptoms are more serious, the patient requires medical attention. To ascertain the severity of food poisoning, watch for a combination of symptoms, Dr Naroo said. “If vomiting lasts for more than two days; you show signs of severe dehydration; you run a high fever; or have diarrhoea that lasts for more than three days or is bloody — seek medical attention. Once admitted, the patient has to be hydrated and antibiotics have to be administered.”
By way of advice, he said hand-washing is one of the most effective ways to reduce the chances of food poisoning.
Dr Hatem A. Sulaiman, a Critical Care Medicine specialist at Al Zahra Hospital, Sharjah, also spoke to Gulf News, providing further guidelines to prevent food poisoning. Always wash your hands before touching food. This rule applies to whether you are preparing it, or going to eat it.
Make sure that everything you use for making food is clean right from the cutlery to the dishes. Wash fruits and vegetables before consuming them. Only eat foods that are cooked well. Check food before consuming, watching for mouldy areas or a smell that is ‘off’.
Don’t consume canned food that has crossed the ‘use-by’ date. Don’t leave food uncovered.
