Food poisoning symptoms commonly include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. More severe signs to watch for are bloody diarrhea, diarrhea lasting more than 3 days, a high fever (over 102°F), persistent vomiting that prevents keeping liquids down, and dehydration symptoms like reduced urination, dry mouth, or dizziness when standing up. If pregnant and experiencing fever with flu-like symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the germ causing the illness and can appear within hours or a few days after eating contaminated food. Drinking plenty of fluids is important to prevent dehydration if diarrhea or vomiting occur.
