Stomach uneasy? Feeling feverish? Determining the culprit of your symptoms can be challenging, since different illnesses can share similar symptoms. It could be something you ate, or it could be from a virus or bacteria. So how can you tell 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 bug and food poisoning.
Stomach Bug
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:
Nausea
Vomiting
Watery or bloody diarrhea
Abdominal pain or cramps
Fever
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Swollen lymph nodes
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
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:
Stomach pains or cramping
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Chills
Muscle aches
Headaches
Sweating
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 any 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.
