Food-Borne Illnesses

Questions and Answers

What are the common signs and symptoms of food-borne illnesses?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal cramps

Why is it difficult to identify the source of a food-borne illness?

Because pathogens have an incubation period, making it hard to determine when and what food caused the illness

What is a common misconception about food-borne illnesses?

Calling it the 'flu' or 'stomach flu'

When should a person with a food-borne illness seek professional medical help?

Not specified in the text, but seeking help is essential in severe cases or if symptoms persist Signup and view all the answers

Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food or water?

No, as of August 2020, there was no evidence of food- or water-borne transmission Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to follow personal hygiene practices when handling food?

To prevent the spread of illnesses, including COVID-19 Signup and view all the answers

What is a recommended practice to prevent the spread of illnesses when handling food?

Washing hands thoroughly with warm soapy water Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when experiencing symptoms of food-borne illness during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Ruling out COVID-19 as a possible cause of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence an individual's susceptibility to food-borne illness?

The number of pathogenic microbes in a food, the amount of toxin it contains, and individual vulnerability to food-borne pathogens. Signup and view all the answers

Which groups of people are more vulnerable to food-borne pathogens?

Pregnant women, very young children, older adults, and people who suffer from serious chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about food-borne illness?

Many people mistakenly report that they have the 'stomach flu' when they actually are suffering from a food- or water-borne illness. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary symptoms of influenza?

Coughing, fever, weakness, and body aches. Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical signs and symptoms of a food-borne illness?

Intestinal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Signup and view all the answers

When should an individual consult a physician for a food-borne illness?

When accompanied by one or more of the signs and symptoms listed in Table 12.2, such as decreased urination, prolonged vomiting, or fever exceeding 102°F. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the 'stomach flu' and influenza?

Influenza is an infectious disease caused by specific viruses that invade the respiratory tract, while food-borne illness primarily affects the digestive system. Signup and view all the answers

How long do otherwise healthy individuals typically take to recover from common food-borne illnesses?

A few days. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Signs and Symptoms of Food-Borne Illness

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal cramps are common signs and symptoms of food-borne illness.

Factors Influencing Illness

The number of pathogenic microbes in a food or the amount of toxin it contains can contribute to the risk and severity of a food-borne illness.
Individuals vary in their vulnerability to many food-borne pathogens, with high-risk groups including pregnant women, very young children, older adults, and people with serious chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems.

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

Consult a physician when an intestinal disorder is accompanied by:
- Decreased urination and other signs of dehydration
- Prolonged vomiting
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days
- Severe intestinal or rectal pain
- Fever exceeding 102°F
- Stools containing blood or pus
- Trouble breathing, muscular weakness, mental confusion, or other symptoms or signs of nervous system impairment

Common Misconception: "Stomach Flu"

The term "stomach flu" is a misnomer, as influenza is an infectious disease that affects the respiratory tract, characterized by coughing, fever, weakness, and body aches.
Food-borne illness primarily affects the digestive system, with signs and symptoms such as intestinal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, which are not typical of influenza.

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Description

Learn about the signs and symptoms of food-borne illnesses, when to seek medical help, and common misconceptions. This quiz covers the digestive tract affects of food and water-borne pathogens.