Food poisoning question

[GymMom]

This is not daycare related but I am freaking out and not sure where else to ask. I tried health link and the local hospital - neither of which were much help at all. My daughter spent the day with a friend and apparently got chicken strips from Dairy Queen for lunch. She didn't eat them until after they'd been sitting in a hot car for 5 or 6 hours while the kids were visiting an amusement park - obviously not a good idea. That was about 6 hours ago. She has no symptoms yet - how soon would food poisoning symptoms show up and what are the chances she won't end up getting sick?? Anyone have experience with food poisoning?

[SecondAve]

What if you try calling Telehealth. Here is their link:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/telehealth/tele_faq.aspx

[Skysue]

I have had food poisoning and it took 12 hours for me but that was due to eating rare steak. I was in France and trusted that it was supposed to be cooked that way. I wouldn't worry too much since it was already cooked. She will more than likely just have the runs. I would worry more if it was uncooked chicken that sat out that long.

Let us know how shes doing!

[Skysue]

Another note to add would be the constant temperature of the car, its like sitting in a warmer. Bacteria levels grow fastest at uneven temperatures.

http://www.betterhealth.vic .gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Food_safety_storage

[playfelt]

In a child I would thing 12 - 24 hours would be the normal time frame for symptoms. At the same time with such a busy day you can expect her to be tired etc today anyways and throwing up from getting too much sun and getting over tired is not unheard of either - I have an adult daughter that to this day needs to keep the balance of both in check.

In the grand scheme of things even though there is a best practice for food handling many foods are eaten after sitting out more than the recommended 2 hours. One thing in her favour is that the car would have been so hot that it would be like the food was still in the oven and a lot of bacteria doesn't start to form till the foods cool down to room temperature - hence the two hour warning. The heat of the car might actually have prevented food poisoning although a reminder to never do it again is for sure in order.

[mamaof4]

it depends on the bacteria (or bug) causing the symptoms. some take 4-6 hours some take a day or so.
the rule of the thumb is to keep hot food hot and cold food cold- depending on how hot the car was it may be fine

[GymMom]

Thanks for all the info, ladies! It's been 24 hours and so far no sign of food poisoning. I'm really hoping it stays that way!

[Momof4]

Omigosh GymMom what happened tonight?

My two oldest grandsons both got their first jobs at McD's so I suppose I could ask them the max that a chicken product can be under a heat lamp if necessary!

[GymMom]

She seems fine - phew! She started a week-long gymnastics camp yesterday morning. When I dropped her off she said her throat and tummy felt "funny". I wasn't sure if it was related to the chicken or just separation anxiety/nerves. She sounded much better on the phone last night so it looks like we dodged a bullet!! I don't think she'll make that mistake again! :)