Actor Janhvi Kapoor recently got hospitalised due to food poisoning. Although her condition continues to be stable and doctors have reportedly said that they will soon discharge her, it is important to note that several incidents of food poisoning have been reported in the last few weeks in Mumbai, especially as the city witnesses torrential rains.
In one such unfortunate incident, a 19-year-old died after reportedly consuming spoiled chicken shawarma from a roadside stall in Trombay. The vendors have been arrested. Senior inspector and investigating officer Rajesh Shinde reportedly mentioned that “after eating the shawarma the man complained of stomach pain and also vomited. He was taken to KEM hospital but his condition kept deteriorating and he died in a few days.”
In an email interview with THE WEEK, Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai explains the dos and don’ts one must be mindful of to avoid food poisoning.
Are you witnessing an increase in cases of food poisoning during monsoons?
Yes. Food poisoning is a common occurrence in monsoons among people of all age groups (including children, adults and senior citizens). It happens as the food gets contaminated with bacteria and viruses, thereby taking a toll on one’s well-being.
Which bacteria are primarily associated with causing food poisoning?
The causes of food poisoning are bacteria such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moreover, Norovirus and Hepatitis A are also known to cause food poisoning in children and adults that may sometimes require hospital admission. A large number of people crave various foods during monsoon. Eating roadside food such as pani puri, sev puri, having ice gola, sherbat, ice cream, pre-cut fruits or juice, and stale food kept outside for a long time are known to get contaminated and cause food poisoning.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning you have been observing among patients you consult, especially now during the monsoon?
The most common are constant episodes of vomiting and headache, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhoea, fever and headache.
How do you suggest one can best manage the symptoms and treat oneself at home so that the need for hospitalisation does not arise?
I recommend taking medication as per the doctor’s advice for relief of symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headaches and cramping. Alongside, resting, drinking enough fluids, soups, homemade ORS solution, ginger tea and probiotics can be helpful. One will also be asked to eat soft foods such as khichdi, dal and rice for at least 2-3 days instead of taking heavy and greasy meals consisting of gravies, curries, salads and rotis.
But, as we all know, prevention is better than cure and accordingly, it is better to avoid roadside food, raw and pre-cut foods and storing food in the refrigerator for a long duration of time. One must try to drink boiled water that is cooled down. Also, make it a point to thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption as they can get contaminated with bacteria and raise the chances of food poisoning. If vomiting episodes refuse to stop, it can be considered severe food poisoning and will require hospital admission, though one recovers in 2-3 days.