Food poisoning can really throw you for a loop. After eating
germ-infected food, a person can develop sudden and severe
symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Medical treatment is
usually not needed, but home care is important. If your child
develops food poisoning, make sure he or she drinks plenty of
fluids to prevent dehydration. Rest is also important. Food
poisoning usually runs its course, so your child should feel
better in a few days. About Food Poisoning Food poisoning
happens when bacteria (and, sometimes, viruses or other germs)
get into food or drinks. You can't taste, smell, or see these
germs, but even these tiny organisms can have a powerful effect
on the body. Once the germs that cause food poisoning get into a
person's system, some of them release toxins. These toxins are
poisons (hence the name "food poisoning") that can cause
diarrhea and vomiting. Doctors often use "food poisoning" to
describe an illness that comes on quickly after eating
contaminated food. People typically get diarrhea or s