Food poisoning and stomach bug care in Westmont, IL

It depends on the germ. The CDC gives these typical time ranges. The last thing you ate is not always the cause.

MedlinePlus explains that most foodborne illness starts suddenly and lasts a short time. The CDC says most people with norovirus get better within 1 to 3 days.

Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days is not typical for norovirus and should be checked by a clinician.

• Take small sips often. An oral rehydration solution replaces both water and salts.
• If you are vomiting, wait a little, then start again with a spoonful or two of fluid at a time.
• Avoid fruit juice and soda while you have diarrhea.
• Go back to regular food in small amounts once you feel hungry.
• Rest, and let your stomach settle before you try heavy meals.

The CDC lists these signs of dehydration: peeing less, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when you stand up. Come in if you notice them, or if you cannot keep liquids down. Other reasons to see a clinician include bloody diarrhea, diarrhea for more than 3 days, or a fever above 102°F.

The CDC says young children, older adults and people with other illnesses are more likely to become dehydrated. In children, watch for crying with few or no tears and being unusually sleepy or fussy. Our pediatric urgent care team can check a child's fluid level and give you a home plan.

During pregnancy, the CDC advises seeing a doctor for a fever with flu-like symptoms, because some foodborne infections, such as Listeria, can harm a pregnancy. Older adults and people with weak immune systems should also get checked sooner rather than later.

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the toilet or changing diapers and before eating or cooking. The CDC says hand sanitizer does not work well against norovirus.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. MedlinePlus warns against leaving food out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Wash produce, and cook oysters and other shellfish to at least 145°F.
• After someone vomits or has diarrhea, wear gloves, clean up, then disinfect with a bleach solution of 5 to 25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water, as the CDC advises.
• Wash soiled laundry in hot water on the longest cycle and dry on high heat.
• If you are sick, do not cook for others until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

Norovirus outbreaks peak from November to April, the same months many Illinois families are indoors together. More on stomach viruses: what virus causes cough and diarrhea.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and Meridian. Call (630) 324-6825 to confirm your plan, or see our cost and insurance page. Self-pay general visits start from $125.