What to Do If You Get Food Poisoning from Holiday Gatherings

Holiday gatherings are meant to be filled with laughter, good company, and delicious food. But when dishes are left out too long or not cooked properly, they can sometimes lead to foodborne illness. Every year, thousands of people across Texas experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramps after a meal that didn’t sit right.

Knowing what to do when food poisoning strikes can help you recover faster and avoid serious complications. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms, when to seek medical care, and how Physicians Premier can help you feel better – any time, day or night.

Understanding Food Poisoning

Food poisoning happens when you eat food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses each year, leading to over 120,000 hospitalizations.

During the holidays, food sits out longer than usual, which allows bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Listeria to grow quickly. Improper storage, undercooked meat, and cross-contamination are among the most common causes.

Symptoms usually appear within a few hours to several days after eating contaminated food. While many cases are mild, some can become serious, especially for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the type of germ involved. The most common signs include:

• Nausea

Most people start feeling better within one to three days, but in more severe cases, symptoms can last longer or worsen over time.

The Mayo Clinic warns that dehydration is one of the biggest risks of food poisoning, especially when vomiting or diarrhea is frequent.

What to Do If You Think You Have Food Poisoning

If you start feeling sick after a meal, take these steps to help your body recover:

• Stay hydrated. Drink water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks. Take small sips often to replace fluids lost through vomiting or diarrhea.
• Rest. Give your body time to fight off the infection. Avoid strenuous activity.
• Avoid solid food until you feel ready. Start with bland foods like crackers, rice, or bananas when your stomach settles.
• Do not take anti-diarrheal medication unless your doctor recommends it, as it can slow the body’s ability to remove toxins.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy until symptoms completely go away.

If symptoms last more than two days or you begin to feel worse, it’s important to seek medical care right away.

When Should You Go to the ER for Food Poisoning?

Many mild cases of food poisoning can be treated at home, but some symptoms need urgent attention. Go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• High fever above 102°F (38.9°C)
• Frequent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
• Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or very little urination
• Diarrhea lasting more than three days or containing blood
• Abdominal pain that is sharp or persistent
• Symptoms in young children, older adults, or people who are pregnant

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), certain bacteria like Listeria can cause serious illness in pregnant women and newborns, so they should never ignore symptoms.

At Physicians Premier, our 24-hour emergency centers have on-site labs, IV hydration, and imaging services to treat dehydration and identify the cause of foodborne illness quickly and safely.

What Germs Are Most Common During the Holidays?

The holidays often involve buffet-style meals, potlucks, and leftovers that sit at room temperature for long periods. According to the CDC, the most common germs behind food poisoning include:

• Salmonella – Often found in undercooked poultry or eggs
• E. coli – Can come from contaminated beef or produce
• Norovirus – Spreads easily through unwashed hands and contaminated surfaces
• Listeria – Found in soft cheeses, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products
• Clostridium perfringens – Grows quickly in food left out for too long, like casseroles or meats

Even dishes that look and smell fine can harbor harmful bacteria if not cooked or stored properly.

To keep your food safe, refrigerate leftovers within two hours and make sure hot foods stay hot and cold foods stay cold. You can find detailed safety tips from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

How Long Does Food Poisoning Last?

Most healthy adults recover from food poisoning in one to three days, though some infections can take longer. For example, Listeria and E. coli may cause symptoms that last more than a week.

If you’re still feeling weak, dehydrated, or feverish after several days, it’s best to get checked by a doctor. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids to restore your body’s balance.

Physicians Premier offers IV hydration therapy and emergency medical care to help patients recover faster and prevent complications.

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Food Poisoning and a Stomach Virus?

It can be tricky since both conditions cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However:

• Food poisoning usually develops within hours after eating contaminated food.
• Stomach viruses (like norovirus or rotavirus) often spread from person to person and take longer to appear after exposure.

If you’re unsure which one you have, testing can help identify the cause. Either way, staying hydrated and resting are key, and emergency care is needed if symptoms become severe.

Stay Safe and Enjoy the Holidays

Food poisoning can take the joy out of the season, but knowing what to do can help you recover quickly and avoid serious illness.

If you or a loved one experiences persistent vomiting, severe dehydration, or abdominal pain, don’t wait. Visit your nearest Physicians Premier ER location for fast, compassionate care. We’re open 24/7, including holidays, with minimal wait times and on-site testing to help you feel better faster.

Sources

“About Food Safety,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/about/index.html
“Food poisoning (foodborne illness),” Mayo Clinic,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
“Symptoms of Food Poisoning,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/index.html
“Listeria (Listeriosis),” U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
https://www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/listeria-listeriosis
“4 Steps to Food Safety,” U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service,
https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/4-steps-to-food-safety