Warning and Information Regarding Food Poisoning from Altınbaş University
Özlem Karagöl, Instructor in the First Aid and Emergency Care Program at Altınbaş University, provided information about the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and correct first aid approach for food poisoning.
In response to the recent increase in food poisoning cases in Türkiye, Altınbaş Health Services Vocational School shared important information to raise public awareness. Özlem Karagöl, Instructor of the First Aid and Emergency Care Program, provided a comprehensive assessment of the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and correct first aid approach for food poisoning.
Karagöl emphasized that food poisoning is a serious public health problem worldwide, noting that failure to comply with hygiene rules and improper storage conditions in particular increase the number of cases.
What Causes Food Poisoning?
According to Instructor Karagöl, the most common causes of food poisoning include:
Bacteria: Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, Campylobacter
Viruses: Norovirus, Rotavirus
Parasites: Giardia, Cryptosporidium
Toxins: Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus toxins, which can multiply more rapidly in food, especially in hot weather.
Which Foods Are More Risky?
Karagöl stated that some foods carry a higher risk than others:
Mussels and shellfish
Chicken and red meat
Eggs
Milk and dairy products
Street foods
Rice and flour products
Symptoms and When to Take Them Seriously?
The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Fever
Dizziness
Karagöl said that symptoms can progress rapidly, especially in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The Most Critical Steps in First Aid
The first aid principles emphasized by Lecturer Karagöl are as follows:
Fluid and electrolyte support (ORS is recommended)
Placing the person at risk of vomiting in a side position
Not giving anything by mouth to an unconscious person
Not using anti-diarrhea medication or antibiotics without a doctor's approval
Seek hospital care for severe symptoms
What Should Be Done to Protect Yourself?
Karagöl recalled the World Health Organization's “5 Keys to Safe Food” approach:
Keep it clean
Separate (prevent cross-contamination)
Cook thoroughly
Store at safe temperatures
Purchase from reliable sources
Altınbaş University School of Health Services announced that it will continue its efforts to protect public health and emphasize the importance of access to accurate information.