What are the differences between food intoxication and food infection? Explain this distinction in detail.

The link between food poisoning and infection| Nursing homework help

Both food intoxication, as well as food infection, are foodborne illnesses. However, they differ in their symptoms, treatments, and causes. The toxins are produced when bacteria grow on the food or inside it before consumption. Within a few minutes of consumption, these toxins can cause vomiting and abdominal cramps. It is best to thoroughly cook food and to use proper hygiene while handling it.

When harmful bacteria like Shigella, Shigella or E-coli have contaminated food before ingestion it is called a Food Infection. Food intoxication is not as severe because bacteria can remain active after consumption and spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include high fever, vomiting, chills, etc. Food infections are more serious than food intoxication, where avoiding the foodstuffs is important. Instead of a simple avoidance strategy, a course of antibiotics must be taken after undergoing diagnostic tests to identify and treat the underlying bacteria strain that’s causing issues.

Both conditions, despite their similar origins, have very different symptoms and require dissimilar treatments depending on severity. Therefore it is important to educate the public regarding dangers of eating food that has been poorly prepared along with installing proper safety measures in all establishments handling perishables. Prevention always wins over cure when there are health implications involved.