If you\u2019re like most Canadians, you take every opportunity to get outside once the warm weather arrives. This often means outdoor get-togethers, most of them over a meal. But, all those BBQs, camping trips, and picnics can be a golden opportunity for the bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses. Here\u2019s why food poisoning is more common in the summer and what you can do to avoid it.<\/p>\n
Food poisoning is a huge problem, affecting four million Canadians<\/a> every year. And many of these food-borne illnesses spike during the warmer months.<\/p>\n Summer gatherings are more likely to include an outdoor setting, making handwashing and utensil hygiene difficult. And, since contaminated surfaces and hands can spread food-borne illnesses, this can lead to food poisoning.<\/p>\n Beyond that, bacteria flourish in certain conditions. They love warmth and humidity and thrive in the so-called \u201cdanger zone\u201d between 4\u00b0C and 60\u00b0C. That means the delicious summer weather you love is also good for food-borne bacteria.<\/p>\n Storing meat and other foods improperly \u2014 like in a not-so-cool cooler \u2014 makes it easier for bacteria to multiply. Not cooking food thoroughly further increases the likelihood of bacterial presence in what you eat. This combination of factors contributes to the uptick in summer food poisoning cases.<\/p>\n If you think you\u2019ve come down with a case of food poisoning, Maple can help. Maple<\/a> is an online virtual care platform that connects you to a Canadian-licensed doctor<\/a> or specialist from your phone, tablet, or computer, so you can get answers to pressing food poisoning-related questions within minutes.<\/p>\n Not long! Anything left out for longer than two hours at room temperature \u2014 around 21\u00b0C \u2014 should be thrown away. However, on hotter, more humid days, that window shrinks, as over 30\u00b0C bacteria can grow to dangerous levels in only an hour.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that while food may look and smell normal after the two-hour mark, you can\u2019t see bacteria. The bottom line is that your health isn\u2019t worth risking an infection over a couple of leftover hotdogs, and food safety should always be the priority. If in doubt, throw it out.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re in the grips of a bout of food poisoning, it can feel like it\u2019ll last forever. The reality is, however, that most symptoms resolve within two or three days<\/a> \u2014 although it may take longer than this to feel \u201cnormal\u201d again. If you\u2019re still sick after a week, you may want to speak with a healthcare provider.<\/p>\n Food poisoning can sometimes be difficult to diagnose, however, as symptom onset can vary considerably. In some cases, symptoms present within hours of contact with the pathogen. In others, they can take days or even weeks to crop up.<\/p>\n The symptoms you\u2019re most likely to experience with food poisoning are:<\/p>\n Food poisoning symptoms can vary considerably depending on the microorganism infecting your food, however. These are some of the most common bacteria responsible for food poisoning and the symptoms they trigger.<\/p>\n Campylobacter<\/strong><\/p>\n Raw and undercooked meats are its primary source, but campylobacter is also found in contaminated water making it a frequent cause of traveller’s diarrhea. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n Clostridium botulinum<\/strong><\/p>\n Clostridium botulinum is a bacteria that causes botulism, a potentially life-threatening type of food poisoning. If its name sounds familiar, that\u2019s because it\u2019s the bacteria that produces the toxin used in Botox. Improperly canned or fermented foods \u2014 usually homemade, not commercial \u2014 are often its source.<\/p>\n In addition to diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea, botulism symptoms can also include:<\/p>\n Escherichia coli (E. coli)<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most famous sources of food poisoning, E. coli can be fatal in a small percentage of cases. The most common sources of it are raw or undercooked meat, fruits and veggies, or contact with fecal matter of animals or people through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n Listeria<\/strong><\/p>\n Listeria is the reason pregnant women are cautioned against eating soft cheeses and deli meats. Most commonly found in these foods, it can also turn up on melons and seafood and can cause serious pregnancy complications. Listeria is also unusual as symptoms can occur up to two months after eating infected food.<\/p>\n Listeria poisoning often presents with the most common food poisoning symptoms. In severe cases when the bacteria spreads to the nervous system, however, symptoms may include:<\/p>\n Norovirus<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve had norovirus before, you know how intense it is. Highly contagious norovirus is transmissible both through person-to-person contact and by touching infected surfaces. It\u2019s also possible to ingest it via shellfish, fruits, and vegetables. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n Salmonella<\/strong><\/p>\n Salmonella poisoning is usually attributable to eating undercooked chicken and meat, or to infected eggs, veggies, and fruit. But transfer through contact with pet reptiles and amphibians is another significant source. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include:<\/p>\n Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)<\/strong><\/p>\n Staph infections can transmit to food through unsafe food handling practices by an infected person. This is most likely to happen through poultry, meat products, and dairy, but can sometimes happen via prepared foods like sandwiches, baked goods, and salads. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n Vibrio<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the reasons you should only eat seafood from reputable sources, vibrio infects shellfish, especially oysters. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n The natural reaction to food poisoning<\/a> is to want to put an end to your symptoms as quickly as possible. But diarrhea, vomiting, and the rest are your body\u2019s way of expelling the bacteria that\u2019s causing your symptoms. Taking anti-nausea or antidiarrheal medicine may seem like a good idea but it may actually prolong your discomfort.<\/p>\n Instead, avoid eating, but keep yourself hydrated by sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of liquid. Water and electrolyte-replenishing liquids are best as dehydration is a frequent complication of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea.<\/p>\n Most cases of food poisoning can be treated at home. Seek medical care, however, if your symptoms don\u2019t resolve, or if they become severe. If extreme dehydration is an issue, oral rehydration fluids or intravenous rehydration is necessary. In some cases, you may also need an antibiotic prescription to treat the underlying bacterial cause of your food poisoning.<\/p>\n Anything you consume during and immediately after a bout of food poisoning should be to prevent dehydration. As a general rule, try to replace your fluid loss by consuming one cup of fluids for every large watery bowel movement. Take frequent sips of rehydration fluids like Pedialyte, or chew on ice. You\u2019ll also want to avoid juices and sodas because of their high sugar and lack of electrolytes.<\/p>\n Consuming too much during your illness risks having it come right back up. For the first couple of days of recovery, eat bland, easily-tolerated foods. Choose foods lower in fat and sugar, and steer clear of anything spicy as it\u2019ll be harder on your stomach. Once you\u2019re over the worst of your symptoms though, try to stick to your normal diet as much as possible to help replace lost nutrition and feel better faster.<\/p>\n When it comes to liquids, focus on clear ones. This means water and herbal tea, but also broths and sodas \u2014 flat ginger ale is a perennial favorite. And, as much as it might pain you, avoid caffeine and alcohol until you\u2019re fully recovered.<\/p>\n Food poisoning is horrendous. Despite this, it\u2019s often treatable at home. Certain circumstances, however, do necessitate medical intervention. If you\u2019re vomiting so much you can\u2019t keep liquids down, or if you have signs of dehydration like very dark urine or aren\u2019t urinating, it\u2019s time to see a doctor.<\/p>\n Likewise, if you\u2019re experiencing any form of paralysis, rapid heartbeat, confusion, blurry vision, or bloody diarrhea it\u2019s a medical emergency.<\/p>\n Finally, certain individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of food poisoning than others. If you\u2019re pregnant, a senior citizen, or have a weakened immune system, or if your baby or child is affected, you should speak to a healthcare provider.<\/p>\n Reduce your risk of food poisoning and make safe food handling the norm with the following safety tips:<\/p>\n Food poisoning can strike at any time and take you down for the count. It can also leave you confused. Food poisoning symptoms can sometimes look like the flu, making your treatment options that much more unclear.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re trying to navigate your food poisoning symptoms, Maple can help. Maple<\/a> connects you with a Canadian-licensed doctor<\/a> online within minutes. They can discuss your symptoms, and provide guidance regarding treatment. If necessary, they can also provide prescriptions for antibiotics or other medications, or referrals \u2014 like for a stool culture.<\/p>\nHow long can food sit out before becoming dangerous?<\/h3>\n
How long does food poisoning last?<\/h3>\n
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How Maple can help<\/h3>\n