These two illnesses definitely have similar symptoms — but there are differences between them. Food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria, and it comes from contaminated food or water. Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) is usually caused by a virus, and it spreads from person to person.
Stomach bug symptoms usually last 1-3 days (although there can be severe cases that go on for ten days or more) as compared to food poisoning symptoms which can resolve themselves anywhere between a few hours to 1-2 days.
Nausea, vomiting or both. Stomach cramps and pain. Occasional muscle aches or headache. Low-grade fever.
The CDC, which has a surveillance program called NoroSTAT, says norovirus cases have “increased rapidly” since January 2022. According to a recent report, the number of norovirus outbreaks reported by NoroSTAT-participating states was three times higher between 2021 and 2022 compared to the previous year.
Food poisoning usually resolves on its own in 1-2 days, while the stomach flu can last 1-3 days (although sometimes longer). It's important you know what is causing your symptoms so you can properly treat your illness.
While different types of pathogenic bacteria can cause different symptoms, food poisoning generally presents itself with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever.
Although you typically feel better after a day or two, you're contagious for a few days after you recover. The virus can remain in your stool for up to two weeks or more after recovery. Children should stay home from school or child care for at least 48 hours after the last time they vomit or have diarrhea.
Many people know the symptoms of food poisoning: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, or chills. The sickness may be mild or severe. It may last from a few hours to several days.
Orange vomit is commonly caused by: Food poisoning after eating contaminated foods. Other symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Gastroenteritis or stomach flu.
The symptoms of food poisoning are often the same as the symptoms of viral gastro that is more often due to contact with another ill person (person to person spread) or contaminated surfaces. Some of the common types of food poisoning, with symptoms and incubation period are shown below.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Less common symptoms can include low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches. Symptoms usually begin 1 or 2 days after ingesting the virus, but may appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.
Sometimes we eat something we wish we hadn't. Emergency room physician Troy Madsen, MD, says food poisoning generally takes about six hours to take effect, but most people get through it all right. Learn about the symptoms of food poisoning and things you can do to help yourself get through it.
Raw foods of animal origin are the most likely to be contaminated, specifically raw or undercooked meat and poultry, raw or lightly cooked eggs, unpasteurized (raw) milk, and raw shellfish. Fruits and vegetables also may get contaminated.
In some cases, adults can take over-the-counter medicines such as loperamide link (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate link (Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate) to treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning.
Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year but are most common from November to April. Most outbreaks occur when infected people spread the virus to others through direct contact, such as by caring for them or sharing food or eating utensils with them.
The type of gastrointestinal symptoms is a clue to the type of infection. Viral infection generally produces diarrhea without blood or mucus and watery diarrhea is a prominent symptom. Conversely, a person is more likely to have diarrhea with mucus and blood in bacterial diarrhea.
Your doctor will likely diagnose viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) based on symptoms, a physical exam and sometimes on the presence of similar cases in your community. A rapid stool test can detect rotavirus or norovirus, but there are no quick tests for other viruses that cause gastroenteritis.
Drink plenty of clear liquids
Water, clear soda (stir it well to release more carbonation), herbal decaffeinated tea, broth or over-the-counter electrolyte replacements are great ways to avoid dehydration when you have a stomach flu with frequent diarrhea or vomiting.
In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms.