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Food Poisoning Symptom Timeline Checker: When to Seek Medical Care

🩺 Food Poisoning Symptom Checker

Get guidance on when to seek medical care based on your symptoms and timeline

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

🚨 Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately If You Have:

  • High fever over 102°F (38.9°C)
  • Blood in vomit or stool
  • Signs of severe dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, little/no urination)
  • Persistent vomiting preventing fluid intake
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Symptoms of botulism (difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing)

Current Symptoms

Symptom Timeline

Severity Assessment

Risk Factors

🕐 Food Poisoning Timeline by Pathogen

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 weeks after consuming contaminated food, depending on the cause:

Staphylococcus aureus
30 minutes – 6 hours
Salmonella
6 – 72 hours (usually 12-36)
E. coli
1 – 8 days (usually 3-4)
Norovirus
12 – 48 hours
Campylobacter
2 – 5 days
Listeria
3 days – 3 weeks

📚 Medical References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Symptoms of Food Poisoning.” CDC Food Safety. Updated January 31, 2025.
  2. Mayo Clinic. “Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) – Symptoms & causes.” Mayo Clinic. April 30, 2025.
  3. Cleveland Clinic. “Food Poisoning: Symptoms, How You Get It & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic. September 8, 2023.
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Food Poisoning.” Johns Hopkins Medicine. June 21, 2024.
  5. Valleywise Health. “When to Go to Hospital for Food Poisoning.” Valleywise Health. January 27, 2025.
  6. National Center for Biotechnology Information. “Salmonella – Medical Microbiology.” NCBI Bookshelf.