Many cases of the common "stomach flu" are, in fact, food poisoning. The cause is bacteria or bacterial toxins in contaminated food. Improper food storage practices, lack of cleanliness, or inadequate cooking are usually the problem.

The common symptoms of food poisoning are vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually begin in 1 to 24 hours after eating the contaminated food.

Treatment for food poisoning includes:
* Doing nothing. Most common types of food poisoning subside within 24 hours without treatment.
* Fluid replacement may be necessary with vomiting and diarrhea. Take frequent small sips of water or rehydration drink.
* Antibiotics may be prescribed for some food poisonings like Salmonella poisoning.

Consult your healthcare provider right away when the following occurs:
* vomiting and diarrhea that lasts more than a couple of hours in young children,
* an infant or child becomes listless, withdrawn, or inactive,
* nervous symptoms exist such as tingling, weakness or headache, or,
* a fever is combined with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain or cramping.

You can prevent most food poisoning by carefully following a few simple safety practices when handling food:
* Always wash your hands carefully before handling food.
* Make sure that you clean cutting boards thoroughly with warm soapy water before preparing food on them. Do not use wooden cutting boards, as they are almost impossible to rid of bacteria.
* Cook meats to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Poultry is often contaminated. Cook it thoroughly and clean up carefully.
* Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight or in a microwave before cooking. Do not thaw food by setting it out on the cabinet.
* If there is a delay in serving food, keep it very hot or very cold.
* Do not use home canned foods if there is air released when the can or jar is opened.

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