A local doctor is providing advice to reduce the risk of food poisoning this Christmas
The last thing Dr Kate Murton wants is for Christmas to be ruined by food poisoning, so she’s encouraging residents to take a few extra steps to avoid illness. Read her advice.
Townsville
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With Christmas right around the corner, residents are being reminded to practice good food safety habits.
Each Christmas, hospital visits relating to food poisoning grow due to the hot weather and food being left out for too long.
Townsville Public Health Unit acting director Dr Kate Murton said bacteria thrives in North Queensland heat.
“So when food is left out in the heat, bacteria can grow on the food quite rapidly, and that’s what causes food-born illness or common gastro symptoms,” Dr Murton said.
Dr Murton said residents should watch out for symptoms, and take appropriate steps to protect themselves this holiday season.
“Some of the symptoms of food poisoning can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain, headache and sometimes even a fever. This can occur several days after eating contaminated food,” Dr Murton said.
“One of the biggest food safety messages we want to get across this Christmas and holiday period is to wash your hands before preparing any food and before eating. This is a great way to stop bacteria and bugs from entering your digestive system.”
“If possible, only put out small amounts of food at a time on the table, and then top it up once it’s been eaten. After two hours you can put it back in the fridge, but if it’s been four hours it’s best just to throw the food out.”
Dr Murton said there are many ways to take care of yourself if you begin noticing symptoms.
“It’s really important to stay hydrated, and that can be done with some kind of electrolyte mix or hydralyte, and keeping your fluids up,” Dr Murton said.
“If you’re unable to hold down fluid then you should seek medical attention.”
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Originally published as A local doctor is providing advice to reduce the risk of food poisoning this Christmas
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