Is food poisoning contagious? This is how it really went viral

About 48 million people in the United States get food poisoning each year. Although the pathogens that cause food poisoning are best known for lurking in food that has been left out for too long, food poisoning can also be contagious.

Food poisoning and foodborne illness are often used interchangeably but, if we're getting into trouble, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates that foodborne illness can technically include allergens are consumed and cause allergic reactions. Food poisoning, on the other hand, is a form of foodborne illness caused when you consume specific toxins.

Contamination can occur at any point during processing or manufacturing. It can also happen at home if you handle food improperly or if you eat undercooked or undercooked food. The biggest culprits of food poisoning seem to be infectious organisms (including parasites, fungi, viruses, and bacteria) or their toxins. Some common food culprits include raw fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, poultry, and seafood.

Is food poisoning contagious?

Food poisoning is contagious

Food poisoning can be contagious. More specifically, norovirus, a common cause of food poisoning, is highly contagious. You can become infected by eating contaminated food and coming into contact with the bodily fluids (diarrhea or vomiting) of someone who is sick, which is why these outbreaks can be common in densely populated areas such as cruise ships or kindergartens. E. Coli and Salmonella are common bacterial causes, of which Salmonella is highly contagious (usually by fecal matter entering your mouth). They are commonly found in things like ground beef (especially E.Coli), egg yolks, milk, and contaminated poultry.

How is food poisoning different from viral gastroenteritis?

Both food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis can wreak havoc on your gut. With symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhea , nausea, vomiting and fever - but there are some key differences worth noting. One is the virus that causes the stomach while bacteria, viruses, parasites and other toxins are the cause of different types of food poisoning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food poisoning symptoms can also vary in severity and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to develop the following symptoms: when eating contaminated food or drink.

How long does poisoning last?

Food poisoning can last from a few hours to a few days

Food poisoning is usually short-lived, with symptoms appearing within hours to days and lasting only a day or two, depending on the cause of the food poisoning. Sometimes, certain illnesses lead to hospitalization, especially in high-risk individuals such as the elderly, pregnant women, children under the age of 5, and people with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC.

Are there different types of food poisoning?

There are a number of ways food becomes contaminated, such as during manufacturing, processing, distribution, or preparation. At any given time, it can be contaminated with a variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and other toxins that cause food poisoning.

The worst offenders when it comes to food poisoning include norovirus and hepatitis A , and Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus and Campylobacter. In rare cases, certain other types can cause more severe illnesses, such as Clostridium botulinum, Vibrio, E. coli, and Listeria.

How can the spread of food poisoning be prevented?

Prioritize clean, sourced foods to reduce the risk of poisoning 

While you can't always prevent food poisoning, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of getting an infection and getting sick. More specifically, Dr. Vento says the most important precautions you can take include:

• Wash your hands often: Wash your hands often with soap and water when preparing food and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and caring for someone who is sick.
• Avoid preparing food: Avoid preparing food or drink for others when you are sick.
• Be Diligent: Pay attention to the foods and beverages you consume and be aware of any potential risk factors during food preparation or food preservation problems, if possible.
• Refrigerate your food: Make sure you are handling, storing, and preparing food and beverages properly. For example, don't leave foods out for long periods of time if they need to be refrigerated.
• Choose hot foods: When traveling, know that hot foods and drinks are generally safer. That means foods that have been boiled and cooked and avoid foods that are cold, have been stored for a long time, or have been peeled and cut by others who may have accidentally contaminated the food.
• Laundry: If you're caring for a sick person, you shouldn't clean dirty sheets, especially if they're soiled. Also wipe and sanitize all common surfaces to avoid spreading germs to others in the home.

Is food poisoning contagious? If food poisoning is caused by certain bacteria, viruses or parasites, it is contagious. If you have food poisoning, the best thing you can do is stay home, rest, and rehydrate. Most people will feel better within a few days. However, if your symptoms worsen or seem to take longer to subside, go to the nearest hospital for examination and treatment.