Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/522363
I t starts out queasy like Sunday morning, a few hours after you ate a burger that tasted a little undercooked or not so fresh. Next thing you know, your gears are reversing, and you start liquidating your assets. The bad meat, or perhaps the lettuce or cheese, is probably the culprit of food poisoning caused by the E-coli virus. If you don't have time to find a restroom, pull over. When getting out of the truck isn't feasible, grab a barf bag or large container. Here's how to survive from a puke and poop fest caused by food poisoning: 1 Control persistent vomiting and diarrhea with over-the-counter products such as Imodium. 2 Rehydrate slowly, sipping sports drinks with electrolytes. 3 Slowly add back bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. 4 Rest. Don't create a safety hazard by driving when you're not fit. 5 Don't take diuretics or other meds that affect fluid levels until you talk to your doctor. When to get help A doctor might be needed to prescribe antibiotics in a severe case of food poisoning, or to order IV fluids when dehydration is severe. In addition to excessive thirst, signs of dehydration include little or no urination, severe weakness and dizziness. Consider calling a doctor or visiting the emergency room if: • You can't keep fluids down after five hours. • You have blood in vomit or stools. • You have a fever above 101 degrees. • Diarrhea doesn't resolve in 72 hours. • You have blurry vision, muscle weakness or tingling in the arms. • You suspect food poisoning from these sources, which can be life-threatening: mushrooms, fish or canned food. To see more worst case trucking scenarios, or to submit your idea for a trucking emergency, visit overdriveonline.com/worstcase. worst case scenario 14 poisoning! Food 96 | Overdrive | June 2015 Is it food poisoning or a stomach bug? Both ailments can be accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, fever and dehydration. Both can last for one to 10 days. Food poisoning symptoms often will start within two to six hours of eating the food. Muscle aches and headaches are more common with a stomach virus. Fatigue can be more pronounced with food poisoning. Rob Smith Jr. By Carolyn Mason