How do you prepare to take care of food poisoning?

Prevention

The best way to prepare for food poisoning is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing food poisoning:

* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, handling raw meat, poultry, or eggs, and before eating.

* Cook meat, poultry, and fish to the proper internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to make sure that the internal temperature of meat and poultry is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and that the internal temperature of fish is at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly.

* Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave, not on the counter.

* When in doubt, throw it out. If you're not sure whether a food is safe to eat, it's best to err on the side of caution and throw it out.

Treatment

If you do get food poisoning, there are some things you can do to treat it:

* Stay home and rest.

* Drink plenty of fluids to replace the fluids you're losing from vomiting and diarrhea.

* Eat small, frequent meals of easy-to-digest foods.

* Avoid spicy, greasy, or high-fiber foods.

* Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and fever.

* If you're vomiting or have severe diarrhea, you may need to be hospitalized to receive intravenous fluids and other treatments.

Recovery

Most cases of food poisoning will resolve within a few days. However, some people may experience more severe symptoms that can last for weeks or even months. If you're experiencing severe symptoms, it's important to see your doctor.

Tips for Preventing Food Poisoning while Cooking at Home

* Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in the shopping cart, on the cutting board, and in the refrigerator.

* Use different utensils for handling raw and cooked food.

* Clean cutting boards and countertops after use with hot soapy water.

* Cook meat, poultry, and seafood to the proper internal temperature.

* Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods within 2 hours of cooking or thawing.

* Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

* Wash your hands with soap and water after handling food, using the bathroom, or touching garbage.

* Keep the kitchen clean and free of pests.