HOW TO PREVENT FOOD POISONING

Foodborne illness (sometimes called food poisoning, foodborne disease, or foodborne infection) is common, costly—and preventable. You can get food poisoning after swallowing food that has been contaminated with a variety of germs or toxic substances

SOME PEOPLE ARE AT HIGHER RISK

Anyone can get food poisoning, but some groups of people are more likely to get sick and have a more serious illness. Their ability to fight germs and sickness may not be as effective. These groups include:

  • Adults aged 65 and older
  • Children younger than age 5
  • People whose immune systems are weakened by health conditions or medicine used to treat them, including people with diabetes, liver or kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, or cancer
  • Pregnant people

Learn more about why these groups are more likely to get sick from germs like Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli.

People who are more likely to get food poisoning should not eat:

  • Undercooked or raw food from animals (such as beef, pork, chicken, turkey, eggs, or seafood)
  • Raw or lightly cooked sprouts
  • Unpasteurized (raw) milk and juices
  • Soft cheese (such as queso fresco), unless it is labeled as made with pasteurized milk
  • Avoid eating raw foods
  • Avoid foods that are uncovered
  • Avoid eating half-cooked eggs and meat
  • Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the bathroom
  • Wash hands before cooking or serving food
  • Store leftover foods properly sealed and covered
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving

Symptoms & Reports

If you are experiencing new, severe, or persistent symptoms, contact a health care provider.

Mild infection symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild fever
  • Weakness
  • Headaches

SEVERE LIFE-THREATENING SYMPTOMS OF FOOD POISONING INCLUDE:

  • Severe diarrhea lasting for more than two days
  • High fever
  • Difficulty in speaking or seeing
  • Severe dehydration, including dry mouth
  • Blood in urine

COMMON SYMPTOMS AND THEIR SEVERITY AS REPORTED BY PEOPLE ON

SYMPTOMS

  • Stress
  • Anxious mood
  • Depressed mood
  • Fatigue
  • Pain

CAUSES COMPLICATIONS

Complications may include:

  • Severe dehydration which could be fatal
  • Miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or fatal infection of the new born in case of food poisoning by Listeria
  • Damage to tiny blood vessels of the kidneys in case of E. coli infection
  • Blurred vision
  • Liver and kidney problems
  • Seizures

Your provider may recommend one or more of these diagnostic tests and procedures as part of an evaluation.

Diagnosis depends on the symptoms.

COMMON TESTS & PROCEDURES

Complete blood count (CBC): To check the presence of parasites which cause this condition.

Stool test: To check for the presence of disease-causing (pathogenic) bacteria and help diagnose an infection of the digestive system.

Sigmoidoscopy: To check the lining of the bowel using a illuminated tube called sigmoidoscope.

MEDICATION

Antidiarrheal agents: May provide temporary relief from diarrhea.

Antibiotics: To treat infections.

THERAPY

Intravenous therapy: To replace loss of salts and minerals.

SELF-CARE

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Drink fluids high in electrolytes such as sports drinks
  • Eat simple, easy to digest foods
  • Do not self-medicate. Check with your doctor before taking any medicines
  • Wash your utensils neatly before use

NUTRITION

Foods To Eat:

  • Consume large quantities of fluids
  • Foods low in fats like oat meal, peanut butter
  • Foods low in fiber like banana, cereal and rice

Foods To Avoid:

  • Foods rich in sugars such as candies and cakes
  • Foods rich in spices
  • Caffeine and caffeinated drinks like soda or coffee
  • Dairy products like milk, cheese or yogurt
  • Processed food

You can get more training from RCL Safety Centre thru https: www.safetycentre.ng/training_register

At RCL Safety Centre this training is also available in different Nigerian languages like PIDGIN,YORUBA,HAUSA AND IGBO

Our company (RCL Safety Centre) is an indigenous company dedicated to Health, Safety and Environment Training and Services.

We are technical partners of the National Industrial Safety Council of Nigeria (NISCN) as well as approved training partners of most major International Occupational Safety and Health organizations like NEBOSH, and corporate members of ISPON (Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria) with thousands of personnel trained in various areas till date.

For more information visit our website: www.safetycentre.ng

Email: sale@safetycentre.ng or mma@safetycentre.ng

Contact us on: 08098600070, 08099700070, 09057666623/25/26

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