WGK Personal Injury Lawyers | December 14, 2025 | Personal Injury
Every year, approximately one in six Americans gets sick from food poisoning, with up to 128,000 individuals requiring hospitalization. Although some people are more vulnerable to food poisoning than others, it’s an issue that can affect anyone who eats tainted food.
In this blog, learn how to recognize whether you have food poisoning and what to do next.
What Is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is a type of foodborne illness that occurs after eating or drinking something contaminated with harmful substances. These contaminants are often invisible and may not change the taste, smell, or appearance of food, making them difficult to detect before consumption.
Food poisoning can result from exposure to:
- Bacteria, viruses, parasites, or mold present in food or beverages.
- Toxins produced by certain pathogens that remain harmful even after food is cooked.
- Chemicals that accidentally come into contact with food during preparation, storage, or processing.
The effects of food poisoning can range from mild discomfort to severe illness, depending on the type of contaminant, the amount consumed, and the individual’s overall health.
Food Poisoning Symptoms
Food poisoning most commonly affects the digestive system, though symptoms can vary in severity and duration. In many cases, symptoms appear suddenly and worsen over a short period of time.
Common symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Upset stomach or nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Fever or chills
In more serious cases, additional symptoms may develop, such as:
- Blurry vision.
- Headaches.
- Tingling or numbness of the skin.
- Weakness in the arms or legs.
Symptoms often begin within two to six hours after eating contaminated food, though some foodborne illnesses may take days to appear. Paying attention to symptom timing and severity can help distinguish food poisoning from other illnesses.
Common Causes of Food Poisoning
Food poisoning typically occurs when food becomes contaminated at some point before it is eaten. This contamination can happen in homes, restaurants, grocery stores, or during food production and distribution.
Common ways food poisoning occurs include:
- Poor hand hygiene during food preparation
- Cross-contamination
- Undercooking food
- Improper food storage
- Contamination during production or packaging
- Use of contaminated water
- Chemical exposure
Because contaminated food often looks, smells, and tastes normal, people may eat it without realizing there is a problem. Understanding how food poisoning happens can help reduce risk and encourage safer food-handling practices moving forward.
Steps To Take if You Have Food Poisoning
If you believe you have food poisoning, taking the right steps early can help reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Most mild cases improve on their own with rest and supportive care.
Recommended steps include:
- Resting and allowing your body time to recover.
- Drinking fluids regularly to prevent dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea.
- Avoiding solid foods until nausea improves, then gradually reintroducing bland foods.
- Staying away from alcohol, caffeine, and greasy or spicy foods during recovery.
While many cases resolve without treatment, symptoms that worsen or persist may require medical attention. Monitoring how your body responds over the first day or two is important.
When To Seek Medical Care
Although most people recover from food poisoning without complications, some situations require prompt medical evaluation. Certain symptoms may indicate dehydration or a more serious infection.
Medical care should be sought if you experience:
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a few days.
- Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or little to no urination.
- High fever or worsening abdominal pain.
- Bloody stools or severe weakness.
- Neurological symptoms, including confusion, numbness, or difficulty moving.
In rare cases, food poisoning can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, brain infections, or neurological disorders. Children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and may need care sooner.
A Baltimore Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Severe food poisoning in Maryland can lead to hospitalization, long-term health issues, and financial strain. When an illness is caused by contaminated food or negligent handling, a Baltimore personal injury lawyer can help determine whether you have legal options.
To learn more, contact WGK Personal Injury Lawyers. We offer a free consultation.
For more information contact the Baltimore personal injury law firm of WGK Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation.
WGK Personal Injury Lawyers
14 W Madison St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
(410) 837-2144
