Food poisoning cases are rising dramatically during the summer and monsoon timeframes. Doctors are warning people to be very careful about what they eat and drink. Foodborne diseases are not common discomforts, says Dr Chirag Tandon, Director of Internal Medicine at ShardaCare Healthcity. They can become health emergencies when neglected. During summer and monsoon, food poisoning is a problem. Hot and humid weather makes it conducive to quick growth of bad bacteria in food, doctors explain. Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. Coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae grow more rapidly in moist environments. This is especially true when food is not kept in its proper place. In summer food left outside for a short time is dangerous to eat. Street food, cut fruits, salads and buffets are sources of infection. The problem worsens with the monsoon season. Contaminated floodwater can mix with drinking water supplies. This raises the risk of both foodborne and waterborne disease. There are myths about food poisoning. These myths can postpone treatment. 

Doctors highlight a few:

Normal looking, or normal smelling, food isn’t always safe to eat. Bad bacteria may not be recognizable by taste or smell.  

Eating food when reheated is by no means always safe to eat. Some toxins bacteria make do not go away after cooking.  

Food poisoning is not always a more minor problem. It can cause dehydration, kidney problems or other severe complications if untreated.  

Symptoms of food poisoning generally appear between hours to two days after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, fever and occasionally blood in stool. Doctors say many people dismiss symptoms and don’t get treatment. This can be hazardous for children, elderly people and people with low immunity. Extreme dehydration can occur rapidly. It may require hospital care. If the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours or you exhibit high fever, dizziness, dry mouth or decreased urination you must seek medical help urgently. 

Here are quick quick tips to avoid food poisoning:  

Wash your hands before you cook or eat.  

Store perishable food in the refrigerator within two hours. In hot weather, do this within one hour.  

Drink boiled or purified water, especially in monsoons.  

Stay away from undercooked meat, unpasteurised milk, and street food that isn’t hygienically cooked.  

Choose restaurants that keep cleanliness and prepare fresh meals.  

If you follow hygiene rules, food poisoning is almost in fact avoidable. Awareness, clean eating habits and safe food storage can help minimize the risk. Doctors strongly suggest to people to be careful when it is summer and monsoon season, when contaminants spread most quickly.

Note for readers: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any concerns regarding a medical condition.