VanillaGoods Food Safety Center

Food Poisoning: When to Get Help

Educational summary of CDC information. Not medically reviewed.

By the VanillaGoods editorial team, from official U.S. agency guidance · Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Who writes this and how

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Most food poisoning is mild, but some cases are serious. This page lists the warning signs the CDC says mean you should see a doctor. It cannot tell you what is making you sick.

Emergency? Call 911 or go to emergency care for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing or signs of severe dehydration.

The most common symptoms

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms are diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting and fever. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

When to see a doctor

The CDC says to see a doctor if you have any severe symptoms, including:

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days
  • High fever (temperature over 102°F)
  • Vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration: not urinating much, a dry mouth and throat, or feeling dizzy when standing up

If you are pregnant and have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, see your doctor. Some mild infections can cause problems with pregnancy.

Think a food made you sick?

Call your doctor, and contact your city or county health department; reports help officials find outbreaks. See how to report a problem with food.

Learn about the germs

Our foodborne illness library summarizes CDC information on common germs, when symptoms usually start and the foods often involved.

Source: CDC, Food Poisoning Symptoms (page dated Nov 24, 2025).

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