Food Poisoning vs Food Poisoning Stomach Flu: How to Tell the Difference

You’re dealing with serious gastrointestinal issues—think: nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea—that seem to come on out of the blue. Do you have a stomach problem…or did you eat something?

Stomach flu and food poisoning can both make you feel equally bad. But they are two different diseases with different causes.

Food poisoning occurs when you eat food that is contaminated with bacteria (such as salmonella or E. coli) or other pathogens. Stomach flu, or viral gastroenteritis as doctors commonly call it, is a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract that often spreads from person to person. (Despite the name, it isno‌ Actually related to the flu. )

Here’s how to tell the difference when you’re not feeling well, plus how to make yourself feel better and avoid getting sick next time.

Food poisoning and the stomach flu can cause similar symptoms. But they are not the same, and you may feel the effects of the former earlier than the latter.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, common symptoms of food poisoning include:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• Vomit
• stomach pain or cramps
• fever
• Headache
• weakness

Symptoms of food poisoning can appear quickly after eating harmful foods.

“It usually develops within 6 to 24 hours of exposure to bacteria or toxins,” says Robert Glatter, MD, an emergency physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “In some cases , symptoms can appear two to four hours after exposure.”

The Cleveland Clinic notes that stomach flu often has the following characteristics:

• diarrhea
• nausea
• Vomit
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain and cramps

If the infection is severe, you may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, headache, and swollen lymph nodes.

Stomach flu symptoms may appear more slowly. Dr. Glatt noted that most people will start feeling sick within 24 to 48 hours after being exposed to the virus.

Food poisoning and the stomach flu often feel similar, but their underlying causes are different.

Food poisoning is caused by eating or drinking something that is contaminated, usually with bacteria or toxins.

This occurs when food is not washed or stored properly, is undercooked, is not kept at the proper temperature, or is not handled in a sanitary manner (such as not washing hands or cutting boards).

Any food can be contaminated and cause food poisoning. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most likely culprits include:

• Raw and undercooked meat, poultry, seafood or eggs
• Raw or unpasteurized dairy products
• Raw fruits or vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables and sprouts
• Raw grains, including flour

Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, is caused by a viral infection. Norovirus is the most common virus, with rotavirus a close second, Dr. Glatt said.

Although people sometimes refer to it as the stomach flu, it is not related to the virus that causes influenza.thisrealThe National Library of Medicine states that influenza is a respiratory infection, not a stomach bug.

The viruses that cause gastroenteritis are highly contagious. Bacteria can be spread from one person to another through close contact or sharing items such as food, dishes, water, towels or sheets. You can also get sick by touching your mouth, lips, or nose after coming into contact with a contaminated surface, such as a doorknob or remote control.

Here’s a gross but true thing, Dr. Glatt says: Bacteria like norovirus are easily aerosolized, meaning they spread through tiny droplets in flushed toilets or vomit.

So how long will your gastrointestinal discomfort last? The Cleveland Clinic says most healthy people clear up a food poisoning infection within 12 to 48 hours, but it may take longer if you have a disease that weakens your immune system. Stomach flu usually causes the worst symptoms in about the same amount of time.

However, you may not necessarily feel back to normal once the diarrhea and vomiting pass. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people experience persistent symptoms such as nausea, cramping, gas, and bloating for up to 14 days.

If symptoms persist longer than this, you may have post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome and need to see a doctor.

For most people, food poisoning or the stomach flu just needs to subside naturally. In the meantime, according to Dr. Glatt, the following measures can help relieve symptoms and support your recovery:

Dr. Glatt recommends taking steps to try to avoid becoming dehydrated from vomiting or diarrhea. Take frequent sips of water or other liquids, such as soup or sports drinks.

If you are dehydrated, you may need to go to the hospital to receive intravenous fluids.

Avoid eating when symptoms are at their worst and give your stomach a rest.

When your appetite begins to return, stick to a lighter diet and resume eating slowly. The Mayo Clinic suggests, consider: cookies, toast, noodles, banana or rice.

Try to take it easy and allow yourself enough time to rest and recover.

Some cases of food poisoning or gastroenteritis may require antiparasitic or antibiotic medications. Your doctor can help you decide if treatment is right for you.

What’s the number one way to reduce the risk of food poisoning or stomach flu? “Wash your hands,” Dr. Glatt advises.

Frequent lathering reduces the chance of germs on your hands making you sick or contaminating food.

Foaming occurs in these situations:

• After using the bathroom
• Before and after food preparation
• before eating
• Before and after patient contact
• Before and after changing diapers
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• After contact with animals, animal feed or animal waste
• After contact with garbage
• After touching a shared surface, such as at the gym or on the train

Smart food preparation habits can help minimize the chance of food poisoning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Wash surfaces like cutting boards, utensils, and countertops before cooking.
• Keep raw meat, poultry and seafood away from any ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook food to a safe internal temperature.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

Avoid close contact with people who have stomach flu.

“Don’t share eating utensils, drinking glasses, or cups,” Dr. Glatt warns. “Also, make sure not to share towels and change sheets and pillowcases frequently.”

Also lower the toilet seat before flushing to prevent aerosolized water from dripping onto nearby bathroom surfaces.

Food poisoning and stomach flu usually clear up on their own within a few days. However, you should seek medical attention if you develop severe symptoms, which may be a sign of dehydration or a serious infection.

“Go to the emergency department if you experience dizziness, weakness, a rising fever, bloody diarrhea, or worsening headache,” Dr. Glatt said.