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Food Poisoning in the UAE Summer: Symptoms, Care and When to Worry
Vomiting and diarrhoea after a meal? Learn how food poisoning is treated at home, how to prevent dehydration in the heat, and the warning signs that need a doctor.
Quick answer
Food poisoning usually causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps within hours to a few days of eating contaminated food, and most people recover within a few days. The main risk is dehydration, so sip water or oral rehydration solution often. See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few days, you cannot keep fluids down, there is blood in your stool, a high fever, or signs of dehydration.
In this article
Food spoils quickly in hot weather. Leftovers left out of the fridge, undercooked chicken and unwashed salads are common culprits in the UAE summer.
Common symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Watery diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps
- Mild fever, aches and tiredness
Symptoms can start within a few hours or up to several days after eating, depending on the germ.
Caring for yourself at home
- Rehydrate: take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) from the pharmacy. ORS replaces salts as well as water.
- Eat when you feel ready: start with plain foods such as rice, toast, bananas or soup.
- Rest.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and very sugary drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse.
- Wash your hands well and don't prepare food for others until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
Signs of dehydration
- Passing little urine, or dark urine
- Dry mouth and lips
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- In babies: fewer wet nappies, a sunken soft spot on the head, no tears when crying
When to see a doctor
Book a GP visit if:
- Vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than two to three days
- You have signs of dehydration
- You are pregnant, over 65, or have a long-term condition such as diabetes or kidney disease
- A baby or young child has diarrhoea or vomiting and seems unwell
Seek urgent care for blood in the vomit or stool, a high fever, severe stomach pain, confusion, or being unable to keep any fluids down.
How to prevent food poisoning
- Refrigerate cooked food within two hours, and within one hour on very hot days.
- Cook chicken, minced meat and eggs thoroughly.
- Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat food.
- Wash hands, knives and chopping boards after handling raw meat.
- Wash fruit and vegetables under running water.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?
Usually not. Most cases are caused by viruses or clear on their own. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics for certain bacterial infections after an assessment.
Can I take anti-diarrhoea medicine?
Some adults can use it for short periods, but it is not suitable if you have blood in your stool or a high fever, or for young children. Ask a pharmacist or doctor first.
