Dining out is a popular pastime, but it's essential to be aware of potential food safety risks. We all have our go to foods whenever we are at a restaurant and enjoy the prospect of getting to eat their favorite meal. But even in the most high-end restaurants, the risk of getting sick always lingers. You never know when or what may cause issues for you

Food poisoning is a common problem that can lead to things like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 48 million people in the United States get sick from food poisoning each year. While sometimes it is unavoidable, being aware of these things can help you understand things that can go wrong and taking precautions when eating at restaurants. It's crucial to be informed to protect your health and enjoy your dining experience without worry. Here are some foods you should either avoid or be careful while eating.

Foods You Should Be Careful About While Dining Out

Eggs

Even eggs that look fine can have Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can make you sick with stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Restaurants can cause outbreaks if they don't cook eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, store them at the wrong temperature, use unpasteurized eggs, or use dirty cooking tools. These bad practices let bacteria grow and make people sick. So, it's important to cook and handle eggs the right way.

Pre-Cut Melons

Melons that are cut up ahead of time, like in fruit salads, are more likely to cause food poisoning. When you cut a melon, bacteria on the outside can get to the inside. If lots of fruit is cut in one place, it's easier for bacteria to spread. Since people eat melons raw, there's no cooking to kill the germs. These germs, like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli, can make you really sick. So, be careful with pre-cut melons.

Sprouts

Sprouts are healthy, but they grow in warm, wet places where bacteria like Listeria like to live. Even washing sprouts doesn't always get rid of these germs. And because people usually eat sprouts raw, there's no cooking to kill the bacteria. This makes sprouts a big cause of food poisoning. There have been lots of outbreaks linked to sprouts, with many people getting sick and even ending up in the hospital. So, it's a good idea to avoid sprouts, especially at restaurants.

Undercooked Meat

Meat that isn't cooked enough can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Campylobacter is a common cause of diarrhea. Ground beef is extra risky because it's often made from meat from many different cows. If one cow is sick, all the ground beef can be contaminated. While quickly cooking the outside of a steak can kill surface germs, undercooked ground beef and other meats are still dangerous. Cooking meat all the way through is super important.

Fishes

Some fish can cause specific kinds of food poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning happens when you eat fish that ate poisonous algae, like grouper, sea bass, and red snapper. Cooking doesn't get rid of these poisons. Scombroid poisoning can happen if fish like tuna, sardines, and mahi-mahi aren't stored correctly, which lets bacteria make poisons. Cooking doesn't help with this either. It's important for restaurants to get their fish from good places and keep it stored at the right temperature.

Oyster

Oysters filter water, which means they can collect bacteria and viruses. A big risk is vibriosis, which is caused by Vibrio bacteria that live in warm ocean water where oysters grow. Eating raw or undercooked oysters is very risky. These bacteria can cause serious sickness, and sometimes even infections in the blood. Cooking oysters completely to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes them much safer. So, cooked oysters are a better choice.

Leafy Greens

Greens like lettuce and spinach can get contaminated with bacteria from things like dirty water, animal poop, and not handling them correctly. Even washing them might not get rid of all the germs, especially if they're inside the leaves. Bacteria can grow fast on greens that are wilted or slimy. Restaurants need to get their greens from good farms, wash them really well, and store them correctly. Choosing fresh, crispy greens helps reduce the risk.

Steer clear of certain food items in buffets

Buffets have a higher chance of food poisoning for a few reasons. Many people use the same serving spoons, which spreads germs. Food can sit out for too long at the wrong temperature, letting bacteria grow. Also, people might cough or sneeze near the food. Common germs at buffets include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, and viruses like norovirus. Restaurants need to check food temperatures, change serving spoons often, and make sure everyone is washing their hands.

Lone Star Tick disease: Scientists have verified the first known death tied to a serious meat allergy brought on by a tick bite. The man, who passed away in 2024 after eating a burger, had alpha-gal syndrome. This condition begins after certain tick bites and leads to dangerous allergic reactions to red meat and other foods made from animals. Two weeks before his death, he had already reacted badly after eating a steak.

“The sad part is that no one recognised that earlier incident as anaphylaxis, so it was never linked to the beef,” said study co-author Thomas Platts-Mills, an allergist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine who helped identify alpha-gal syndrome and diagnosed the New Jersey case, during an interview with NBC News. But how did he develop this condition in the first place?

Lone Star Tick: What Are Lone Star Ticks?

A tick marked with a small white dot is known as the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Many people already know that certain tick species can threaten human health. Lone star ticks are mainly found in Texas and Oklahoma, stretching across the Southern states and moving up the Atlantic coastline to parts of Maine. They live in wooded regions and are most common from April to September.

Falling ill after a lone star tick bite can take several days or even a few weeks. A bite can trigger various problems, including a serious meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome.

Lone Star Tick: What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?

Bites from lone star ticks can lead to another major effect. The bite can cause the body to develop an allergy to meat. Substances from the tick, including alpha-gal, enter the bloodstream when it bites, which alerts the immune system and prompts the body to create antibodies to the alpha-gal molecule. Humans do not naturally produce this sugar, so the body treats it as foreign.

This reaction can make a person allergic to the sugar. Alpha-gal is present in many common foods, including beef, pork, lamb, dairy products, and gelatin. Once the allergy develops, a person can fall sick after eating these foods.

Experts believe that many people with alpha-gal syndrome have no idea they carry it. In the New Jersey case, it took scientists months to confirm that the man had the syndrome and had died as a result of it. Warmer winters have also allowed ticks to remain active for longer periods, raising the chances of bites throughout the year.

Anyone who thinks they may have this allergy can undergo testing to check. Although there is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, doctors advise people with the condition to avoid all forms of meat, as well as dairy, gelatin, and some medicines that include these ingredients.

Lone Star Tick: How To Know if You Have the Alpha-Gal Allergy

Many people never realise they were bitten, unless a rash becomes visible. The symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome vary widely and may take weeks to appear, which makes it difficult to diagnose.

Signs of an alpha-gal allergy can include gastrointestinal discomfort after eating foods such as:

• Dairy products, which trouble about 10 to 20 percent of individuals with the allergy
• Red meats like beef, pork, lamb, or venison
• Foods and items that contain gelatin

Other signs may involve hives or, in severe situations, anaphylaxis. The allergy can take four to six weeks to form after the tick bite. Reactions may also be delayed for several hours after a person eats the food that triggers it.

A healthcare professional can test for the alpha-gal IgE antibody through a blood sample. Food challenge tests may also be carried out under medical supervision, in case a severe reaction occurs.

Doctors usually recommend taking daily medications in the morning, making it part of a morning routine. However, recent research suggests that taking blood pressure (BP) medications at night may provide additional cardiovascular protection. Still, consistency like taking your BP medicine at the same time every day—is more important than whether it’s morning or evening.

Numerous studies have examined the timing of BP medications, but none have produced conclusive evidence favoring morning or evening doses. To gain more insight, we spoke with Dr. Kiran Aithal, Vice Principal, Professor, and HOD of General Medicine at SDMCMS&H, SDM University, Dharwad who shared his perspective on the topic.

When Is The Best Time To Take Blood Pressure Medicine?

One of the largest trials, including over 21,000 participants, did not find clear evidence that taking BP medication in the morning is superior to taking it at night. Dr. Kiran suggests linking the timing to a daily activity that’s hard to forget, like breakfast or dinner, so doses aren’t missed. Skipping a dose is a common reason for hypertensive emergencies.

Dr Kiran said, “Sometimes, patients on multiple BP medications may need to split doses between morning and night, following the doctor’s instructions. Certain drugs, such as diuretics, are advised in the morning as they can increase urination. In some patients whose blood pressure doesn’t naturally dip at night (detectable through Ambulatory BP monitoring), physicians may recommend taking medication at night to achieve better control. Following your doctor’s advice is key.”

In general, most BP medications can be taken either in the morning or evening. The critical factor is taking them consistently at the same time every day to prevent complications. It’s important to remember that hypertension cannot be cured but can be effectively controlled. Lifestyle changes combined with regular, timely medication are crucial for managing high blood pressure successfully.

What Should You Avoid While Taking Blood Pressure Medicine?

Certain foods, drinks, and medications can interfere with blood pressure medicines. These include grapefruit juice, high-potassium foods, and salt substitutes, as well as alcohol and caffeine. Over-the-counter drugs like decongestants and NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) should also be avoided.

Some herbal supplements, including St. John’s Wort and licorice, can affect your blood pressure, and recreational drugs should be completely avoided. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, supplement, or making significant changes to your diet, says the Heart Organisation.

Understanding Blood Pressure Categories

Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). Based on these readings, blood pressure is classified as normal, elevated, or high. A normal reading is below 120/80 mmHg. Elevated blood pressure falls between 120–129 systolic with a diastolic under 80. Stage 1 hypertension is defined as 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic, while Stage 2 hypertension is 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic.

Readings of 180/120 or above are considered a hypertensive crisis and require immediate medical attention, according to the Heart Organisation.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication, diet, or lifestyle.

Flu season has arrived earlier than expected in the U.K., with cases starting to rise in October, over a month before epidemiologists typically anticipate the season to begin. Fueling this surge is a new flu variant, which, while flu viruses constantly evolve, has accumulated an unusually high number of mutations in a short span.

“This strain has changed faster than usual, showing more mutations than we typically observe,” explains Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

What Is Subclade K?

These mutations make the virus slightly different from the components included in this year’s updated flu vaccines. At the end of October, Canadian scientists highlighted that the changes needed close monitoring, including regular sequencing of the virus and evaluation of whether current vaccines remain effective.

On November 12, Lopez Bernal and the UKHSA team shared early findings suggesting that, so far, vaccination continues to offer significant protection against hospitalization and severe illness.

Still, the level of protection resembles what is usually seen late in the flu season, when the vaccine’s effectiveness naturally decreases and the mismatch between the virus and the vaccine rises.

Subclade K Symptoms

The subclade K (H3N2) flu variant causes the same classic flu symptoms, though some doctors have observed that it may lead to more severe illness in some cases. There are no symptoms unique to subclade K; the main concern is its rapid spread and ability to bypass some immunity, according to the NHS.

Typical flu symptoms associated with subclade K include:

• Sudden high fever and chills
• Fatigue and overall weakness
• Headache
• Muscle aches and pains
• Dry, chesty cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Diarrhea or vomiting (more common in children)

Is Subclade K In The U.S.?

During the U.S. government shutdown, the flu-tracking site run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not been updated. As of Nov. 13, the most recent data is from late September, when flu activity was low.

However, the New York State Department of Health reported that for the week ending Nov. 1, laboratory-confirmed flu cases had risen by 49% from the previous week, and hospitalizations were up 71%, matching roughly the levels from the same time last year. These figures don’t include subtyping, so it’s unclear whether the subclade K variant has reached the U.S. yet.

Subclade K Flu: How To Stay Safe

Vaccination remains the best defense against the flu. Influenza claims thousands of lives annually and poses a particular threat to children and older adults.

“Children are at higher risk of serious illness from flu, so it’s crucial they get vaccinated. This also protects their relatives, especially vulnerable or elderly family members who may be exposed,” advises Lopez Bernal of the UK Health Security Agency. Even with the mutations seen in this new variant, the vaccine remains a key tool in protecting against severe disease.