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Warning-sign checks

Food poisoning: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help for:

    • Confusion, collapse, fainting or difficulty waking
    • Little or no urine with severe weakness
    • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
    • Blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids or spreading muscle weakness
    • Vomiting blood or severe, constant abdominal pain
    • Signs of shock, such as cold clammy skin with rapid breathing

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if you have bloody diarrhoea, a high fever, severe or worsening abdominal pain, or diarrhoea lasting more than about three days.

    You should also get help if vomiting prevents you from keeping fluids down.

    Contact a healthcare professional sooner if the affected person is a baby, an older adult, pregnant or has a weakened immune system.

    During pregnancy, seek advice after eating food recalled because of Listeria , particularly if fever, muscle aches, nausea or diarrhoea develop.

    These symptoms can indicate severe dehydration, bleeding, botulism or another condition needing urgent treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange medical review for signs of dehydration such as very dark urine, urinating much less than usual, persistent dizziness or a very dry mouth.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Food poisoning. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.