Food poisoning symptoms result from eating food or drinking water / liquid contaminated by harmful micro-organisms. Anyone can be contaminated, but children have a higher risk as their immune system is still developing. Because children are vulnerable, diarrhoea and vomiting have a heavier impact on them. If your child cannot hold fluids down without throwing up or is showing signs of dehydration, you may need to take him/her to the hospital to get treatment. In the meantime at home, make sure your child:
- Gets plenty of rest.
- Drinks liquids to protect against dehydration except milk or caffeinated beverages.
- Takes small, frequent sips to make it easier to keep the fluids down.
- Avoids solid foods and dairy products until any diarrhoea has settled.

Related Health and Physical Education topic/Concept: Symptoms of Food Poisoning