Food borne illness is almost an epidemic in the United States. Many people do not know it can take up to 72 hours to manifest itself. Most people think you just get better over time but with children and seniors who have immunocompromised systems, that is not true. 125,000 people are hospitalized each year and 3,000 die. If you or a loved one believe you suffer from food poisoning,  it is important to:

- ask the hospital to do any and all blood work ups and tests to prove it;

- keep the receipts of where you bought the food;

- report your illness to the place that got you sick, the Center for Disease Control, and your Health Department so that any outbreak is exposed and so other people are protected;

A couple of practical points to protect you and your loved ones- if you think the restaurant or food is bad, get out.  If the hot water does not work in that place's bathroom, get out.