Food poisoning can strike fast — often when you least expect it. One minute you’re fine, the next you’re dealing with nausea, cramps, and a dash to the bathroom. Whether it’s from a meal out, a travel mishap, or something in your fridge that didn’t sit right, getting the right support quickly matters.
Here’s what Sickday’s licensed clinicians — including physician assistants and nurse practitioners — recommend when food poisoning symptoms hit.
🤢 Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Fever or chills
- Weakness or lightheadedness
Most cases resolve within a day or two, but knowing what to take — and when to seek help — can make a big difference in how you feel.
💊 Medications That Can Help
1. Anti-Nausea Medications (Clinician Prescribed)
For severe nausea or vomiting, a Sickday clinician may prescribe:
- Ondansetron (Zofran): Prevents and reduces vomiting
- Promethazine (Phenergan): Can also reduce nausea and motion-type symptoms
2. Anti-Diarrheal Medications
Use with caution — only under clinical guidance.
- Loperamide (Imodium): Can reduce diarrhea, but should not be used if there’s a fever or blood in your stool
- Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol): Helps with upset stomach and mild diarrhea
3. Pain or Fever Relief
- Acetaminophen: Safe choice for fever or body aches
- Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can irritate the stomach lining
💧 Rehydration Is Key
- Drink water and electrolyte solutions (e.g., Pedialyte, Liquid I.V.)
- Sip small amounts frequently, especially after vomiting
- Avoid sugary sodas, caffeine, and alcohol while recovering
🏠 Why Call Sickday?
If you’re too weak to go to urgent care — or unsure whether it’s food poisoning, a stomach virus, or something more serious — Sickday can help. We send licensed clinicians directly to your home in any of the five NYC boroughs.
They can:
- Evaluate your symptoms
- Provide on-site treatment
- Prescribe anti-nausea medication
- Monitor hydration and recovery
🚩 When to Seek Urgent or Emergency Care
Call for help or go to the ER if you:
- Can’t keep any fluids down
- Are severely dehydrated (dry mouth, dizziness, confusion)
- Have a high fever
- Notice blood in your vomit or stool
- Are pregnant or immunocompromised
You don’t have to push through it alone.
Book a Sickday visit and let a licensed clinician bring care directly to you.
