Stomach Flu Versus Food Poisoning

Introduction

Viral gastroenteritis is sometimes referred to as stomach bug or stomach flu. Stomach flu is misleading as the influenza virus does not cause the condition. Some of the symptoms of food poisoning and stomach bug may look similar. But it is essential to know that these two are two different conditions. Food poisoning mostly has a sudden onset compared to stomach flu but resolves faster. The causative organisms are different, so the treatment may also vary. Food poisoning is more of an umbrella term for many different food and water-borne illnesses, while viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection.

What Are the Causes?

1. Food Poisoning

Food poisoning mainly occurs due to bacteria but can also occur due to viruses or parasites. The main cause of food poisoning is due to the intake of contaminated food. Food contamination can occur during preparation, storage, or handling. Individuals with a weakened immune system or under chronic health conditions are more prone to be affected with food poisoning than normal healthy individuals.

The causative organisms of food poisoning include:

• Salmonella - Salmonella bacteria are one of the leading causative organisms for food poisoning. The infection mostly occurs due to the consumption of undercooked meat, dairy products, and raw food that is not washed properly.

• E. coli - Food and water mostly get contaminated with E. coli regarding animal feces. Consumption of undercooked ground beef is a common source of infection.

• Campylobacter - These bacteria mostly infect unpasteurized milk, poultry, and meat. It can contaminate water, too, and most food gets contaminated due to contact with animal feces.

• Listeria - These bacteria are commonly found in smoked seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and processed meat.

• Staphylococcus Aureus - These bacteria can be spread by those preparing and handling food.

• Shigella- Infection mostly occurs through eating contaminated seafood or raw fruits.

2. Stomach Bug or Viral Gastroenteritis

different viruses cause gastroenteritis; the common ones include:

• Norovirus - Noroviruses are the most common cause. Symptoms usually begin within 12 hours to 2 days following exposure and resolve in one to three days.

• Adenovirus - Symptoms usually begin within three to 10 days following exposure and resolve in one to two weeks.

• Rotavirus - Symptoms usually begin in 2 days following exposure and resolve in 3 to 8 days.

• Astrovirus - Symptoms usually begin in four to five days following exposure.

What Are the Symptoms?

1. Food poisoning Symptoms

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Diarrhea (stool may contain mucous or blood).

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever.

• Chills.

• Muscle aches.

• Headache.

• Joint aches.

• Abdominal pain.

2. Stomach Bug or Viral Gastroenteritis Symptoms

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Watery diarrhea.

• Fever (sometimes).

• Abdominal pain.

3. If dehydration occurs due to viral gastroenteritis, the following symptoms develop

• Dry mouth.

• Extreme thirst.

• Dark-colored urine.

• Feeling tired.

• Lightheadedness.

• Sunken eyes.

• Decreased skin turgor.

Symptom Onset

One of the main differences between a stomach bug and food poisoning is the symptom onset.

• In the case of food poisoning, the symptoms occur due to the release of enterotoxins by the causative bacteria. These toxins then attack the intestine.

• In the case of viral gastroenteritis, the virus directly attacks the intestine, and the virus replicates to a substantial number before the symptoms develop.

• The onset of food poisoning symptoms starts within 30 minutes to 8 hours of consuming contaminated food. On the other hand, stomach flu mostly begins 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

What Are the Treatment Options?

If the cause of stomach illness is viral, treatment options include increased fluid intake, adequate rest, over-the-counter fever medications, and electrolyte replenishment. Mostly, stomach flu resolves within a few days. Treatment of food poisoning depends on the causative organism and symptom severity. Mostly, the condition resolves with certain home care measures without treatment in a few days. Treatment options include the replacement of lost electrolytes and fluids and prescribed antibiotics or antiparasitic medications, depending on the causative organism.

The home remedies that can be done to speed recovery in case of both stomach flu and food poisoning include:

• Follow a bland diet (like bananas, fresh apples, bread, potatoes, crackers, rice, toast, etc.) and avoid solid food till things get better.

• Proper rest.

• Take a lot of fluids, this aids in preventing dehydration, and try to take ORS (oral rehydration solution).

• Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol, fatty food, caffeine, and spice till one gets better.

A physician consultation is needed for food poisoning patients under the following conditions:

• Have severe symptoms.

• Pregnant women.

• Elderly.

• Infants or young children.

• Those individuals with weakened immune systems.

• If one develops dehydration symptoms.

• Those who have high fever.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Symptoms last for more than three days.

• Bloody vomits or bloody stools.

• If one is not able to keep down fluids.

A physician consultation is needed for those with viral gastroenteritis with the following symptoms:

• Dehydration symptoms.

• Alteration in the mental state.

• Black and tarry stools.

• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days.

• Severe abdominal pain.

• Frequent vomiting.

• Six or more stools a day in adults.

What Are the Preventive Measures?

Viral gastroenteritis spreads from one individual to another through contact with the vomit or stool of the infected individual. Norovirus is extremely contagious and can live on changing tables and countertops for months. Viral gastroenteritis can spread in daycare centers, households, restaurants, nursing homes, and other places where people gather. It may also spread through contaminated water, so swimming in such water can also cause exposure to infection. So, one should wash hands properly and avoid social gatherings for a few days if infected by the virus to prevent the spread. Vaccinations against rotavirus are effective in preventing the infection.

Some steps that can be taken to prevent food poisoning are:

• Properly wash hands with soap and water.

• Keep the utensils and preparation surfaces always clean.

• Make sure that seafood items and meat are properly cooked before consumption.

• Any perishable food should be refrigerated within an hour.

• Food should be cooked to the right internal temperature to eradicate the pathogens.

Conclusion

Food poisoning and viral gastroenteritis have similar symptoms but are different. Food poisoning is a food or water-borne illness from contaminated food items. Whereas stomach flu is caused by viral infection that affects the intestine. Home care measures can mostly manage the conditions, but severe symptoms and complications like dehydration require immediate medical care.