Which of the following is a common symptom of foodborne illness?

Nausea and vomiting are hallmark symptoms of foodborne illnesses, reflecting the body’s immediate response to harmful pathogens or toxins present in contaminated food or beverages. These symptoms arise as part of the body's protective mechanisms, aiming to expel the harmful substances quickly. When someone consumes food that is unsafe, the gastrointestinal tract can become irritated or inflamed, leading to discomfort, nausea, and the urge to vomit – all signals that indicate something is wrong with the food that has been ingested.

While fatigue can occur as a secondary symptom following illness, it is not commonly recognized as a direct symptom of foodborne illness like nausea and vomiting. Increased appetite is generally not associated with foodborne illnesses, as affected individuals usually experience a loss of appetite during their illness. Dry skin, while it may be a result of dehydration due to vomiting or diarrhea, is also not a primary symptom of foodborne illness. Thus, nausea and vomiting stand out as the most direct and prominent indicators of foodborne illness.