Here's how to determine the culprit of your symptoms.
Stomach gurgling? Feeling feverish? Determining the culprit of your unpleasant symptoms can be hard, especially because illnesses can have overlapping symptoms. It could be something you ate, or it could be from a virus or bacteria. So how do you know if your illness is something you should seek medical attention for, or just ride out? We’ve got a quick guide to help determine the differences between the stomach flu and food poisoning.
The stomach flu (or stomach bug) is a common viral infection that can affect the intestines. This illness is contracted through close contact with an infected person through sharing food, utensils, and cups, or from touching contaminated surfaces or objects. Stomach flu symptoms include:
These symptoms typically last a few days and can appear 1-3 days after exposure. For most healthy people, the stomach flu can clear up on its own, and medical attention is not required. Taking over-the-counter medications can help alleviate symptoms.
Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food, whether from bacteria, a virus, or a parasite. Often improperly handled food becomes contaminated during the preparation and cooking stages. While most think food poisoning is caused by improperly cooked or raw meat, food poisoning can be caused by other foods, such as fruits, vegetables, flour, and eggs.
Symptoms of food poisoning can develop within 6-24 hours after exposure and can last for several days. Food poisoning symptoms include:
As you can see, there are many similarities between the symptoms of food poisoning and the stomach flu that can make it harder to determine what is making you sick. In most cases, both food poisoning and the stomach flu will clear up on their own. Remember to rest and stay hydrated as you recover! However, in more severe cases, you may need to seek medical attention. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your physician or stop by a Patient First center:
Patient First treats many conditions at our urgent care centers including stomach bugs and food poisoning. You can visit any Patient First center from 8am to 8pm, any day of the week – no appointment is needed.
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