Food poisoning prevention and treatment

May 07, 2018

In the midst of the worst food poisoning outbreak in over a decade, there’s never been a better time to talk about food poisoning tips, tricks and cures. As of May 1st, the romaine lettuce E. coli epidemic has caused 98 people across 22 states to fall ill. Although Washington D.C. has not reported any cases yet, the threat still remains in the area. During an outbreak, it is crucial to take steps to avoid contamination.

Yet, it is also important to take food safety seriously at all times. Below are a few important steps to follow to minimize risk and discomfort.

Let’s talk prevention

• When there is an outbreak such as the current romaine lettuce epidemic:
  • Location matters: Do not eat the product in question unless you confirm that it is not from the contaminated facility. Think: “when in doubt, don’t.”
  • Foods containing the product: Avoid any version of the food. Right now for instance, do not eat coleslaw, green smoothies, or spring rolls from D.C.’s extensive assortment of Asian restaurants.
  • The product is inside your home: If you have the product in your fridge, throw it out. After removing the product, sanitize any utensils or surfaces that may have come in contact with the product.
• In general:
  • Washing: Wash your hands, food preparation surfaces, and dish cloths.
  • Chopping boards: Use different chopping boards for different foods. Cross-contamination can occur when you use the same surface for raw and ready-to-eat foods.
  • Meat storage: Keep raw meat on the lowest refrigerator shelf so that it cannot drip onto ready-to-eat foods.
  • Fridge temperature: Keep refrigerators below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, avoid overstocking the fridge so that air can circulate properly.
  • Leftovers: Cool leftovers as quickly as possible, but definitely within 90 minutes. Leftovers should be eaten within 2 days.

For those who stumbled across our prevention tips a bit too late…

Despite you best prevention efforts, you may find yourself a victim of food poisoning. If you think you have been contaminated by the current lettuce involved in the recall, and you are severely ill, please seek medical treatment immediately.

But if you are one of 48 million Americans who get food poisoning each year, rest easy, as most recover quickly and can typically be treated from home. When you have food poisoning, your body is trying to rid itself of whatever bacteria, viruses or parasites you consumed. This typically happens through vomiting and diarrhea, both of which cause severe dehydration. Stay hydrated when combating food poisoning by:

• Drinking fluids with electrolytes (sports drinks, broth, coconut water, etc.)
• Avoiding caffeine and milk
• Scheduling an I.V. hydration treatment stocked with fluids and medications (such as D.C.’s very own I.V. Doctor’s Food Poisoning Relief Treatment)

Food poisoning symptoms typically last 3-5 days. If you are experiencing especially severe symptoms such as a fever over 101.5 degrees F, bloody urine or diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days, call your doctor. Even if your symptoms are less severe, it may be best to put your health in the hands of hydration professionals like the I.V. Doc. The I.V. Doc will deliver a scientifically-proven IV hydration treatment straight to your D.C. metro area home to significantly speed up the recovery process.

The I.V. Doc’s Food Poisoning Relief Treatment includes 2000 mL of fluid, anti-nausea, anti-heartburn, and anti-inflammatory. The treatment is delivered and administered at your home, office, or hotel and only takes 45 minutes!

Click here to schedule a Food Poisoning Relief Treatment at one of our locations now.

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