How do stomach flu and food poisoning differ. What are the main symptoms of each condition. How long do stomach flu and food poisoning typically last. What causes stomach flu versus food poisoning. How contagious are stomach flu and food poisoning.

The Fundamental Differences Between Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning

When it comes to gastrointestinal distress, two common culprits often come to mind: stomach flu and food poisoning. While these conditions share similar symptoms, they are distinct in their causes, duration, and contagiousness. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning

Stomach flu, medically known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viruses. In contrast, food poisoning can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food or drinks. This fundamental difference in causative agents leads to variations in how these conditions manifest and progress.

Duration and Onset of Symptoms

The timeline of symptom onset and duration is a key differentiator between these two conditions. Stomach flu typically incubates for 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus, with symptoms lasting up to 10 days in some cases. Food poisoning, on the other hand, has a much quicker onset, with symptoms appearing 2-6 hours after consuming contaminated food or drinks. Most food poisoning cases resolve within 24-48 hours.

Contagiousness Factor

Another crucial difference lies in the contagiousness of these conditions. Stomach flu is highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person. Food poisoning, however, cannot be passed directly from one person to another. It spreads only through the consumption of contaminated food or drinks or through cross-contamination of germs from food sources.

Unraveling the Symptoms: Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

While stomach flu and food poisoning share several symptoms, there are subtle differences in how these symptoms manifest and progress. Understanding these nuances can help in distinguishing between the two conditions.

Common Symptoms of Stomach Flu

• Nausea and vomiting
• Watery diarrhea
• Low-grade fever
• Abdominal pain and cramping

Typical Symptoms of Food Poisoning

• Bloating and gas
• Fever (potentially higher than in stomach flu)
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Sharp, stabbing abdominal pain

Does the severity of symptoms differ between stomach flu and food poisoning? Generally, food poisoning symptoms can be more intense and acute compared to stomach flu. The abdominal pain in food poisoning is often described as sharp and stabbing, while stomach flu typically causes more general discomfort.

The Timeline of Illness: How Long Do These Conditions Last?

The duration of illness is a significant factor in distinguishing between stomach flu and food poisoning. Understanding the typical timeline for each condition can help in managing expectations and seeking appropriate care.

Stomach Flu Duration

Stomach flu usually starts one to three days after exposure to the virus. The symptoms can persist for up to 10 days, with most cases resolving within a week. It’s important to note that even after symptoms subside, a person may remain contagious for up to three days.

Food Poisoning Duration

Food poisoning has a much shorter course compared to stomach flu. Symptoms typically appear within 2-6 hours of consuming contaminated food or drinks. Most cases of food poisoning resolve within 24-48 hours, though some severe cases may last longer.

Why does food poisoning typically resolve faster than stomach flu? The quick onset and resolution of food poisoning symptoms are often due to the body’s rapid response to expel the toxins or pathogens. In contrast, stomach flu involves a viral infection that takes time for the immune system to combat fully.

Dehydration: A Common Concern in Both Conditions

Both stomach flu and food poisoning can lead to significant fluid loss through vomiting and diarrhea, making dehydration a serious concern. Recognizing the signs of dehydration and taking appropriate measures is crucial for recovery.

Signs of Dehydration

• Decreased urination or dark-colored urine
• Dry mouth and lips
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Sunken eyes

How can you prevent dehydration during stomach flu or food poisoning? The key is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes consistently. Sipping clear fluids, such as water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions, can help maintain hydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can worsen dehydration.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many cases of stomach flu and food poisoning can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these red flags is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring proper treatment.

Warning Signs Requiring Medical Care

• Persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours
• Bloody stools or severe abdominal pain
• Signs of severe dehydration
• Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C)
• Symptoms lasting longer than expected

Should you always see a doctor for stomach flu or food poisoning? Not necessarily. Many cases resolve on their own with proper home care. However, if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by the warning signs mentioned above, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.

Prevention Strategies: Avoiding Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning

While both stomach flu and food poisoning can be unpleasant experiences, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your risk of contracting these illnesses.

Preventing Stomach Flu

1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water
2. Avoid close contact with infected individuals
3. Disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly
4. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or utensils

Preventing Food Poisoning

1. Cook foods to safe internal temperatures
2. Store foods properly and at appropriate temperatures
3. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
4. Avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods
5. Be cautious when eating out, especially in areas with poor sanitation

Can proper food handling completely eliminate the risk of food poisoning? While proper food handling significantly reduces the risk, it cannot completely eliminate it. Factors such as contamination at the source or during transportation can still pose risks. However, following safe food handling practices remains the best defense against food poisoning.

Treatment Approaches: Managing Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning

The treatment approaches for stomach flu and food poisoning are similar, focusing primarily on symptom management and preventing complications like dehydration.

General Treatment Guidelines

• Rest and allow your body to recover
• Stay hydrated with clear fluids and electrolyte solutions
• Gradually reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods
• Avoid dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty or spicy foods
• Use over-the-counter medications for symptom relief as advised by a healthcare provider

Are antibiotics necessary for treating stomach flu or food poisoning? Antibiotics are not typically prescribed for stomach flu as it’s caused by viruses. For food poisoning, antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases or if a specific bacterial cause is identified. However, in most cases, the focus is on supportive care and symptom management.

Long-term Impact: Potential Complications of Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning

While most cases of stomach flu and food poisoning resolve without long-term consequences, in some instances, these conditions can lead to more serious complications.

Possible Complications of Stomach Flu

• Severe dehydration
• Malnutrition (in prolonged cases)
• Reactive arthritis (rare)

Potential Complications of Food Poisoning

• Hemolytic uremic syndrome (from certain E. coli infections)
• Reactive arthritis
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (rare)
• Chronic arthritis (in some cases of Salmonella infection)

Can stomach flu or food poisoning have lasting effects on gut health? In most cases, the gut recovers fully after these illnesses. However, severe cases or repeated infections may disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially leading to temporary digestive issues. Probiotics and a balanced diet can help restore gut health post-illness.

Understanding the differences between stomach flu and food poisoning is crucial for proper management and prevention of these common gastrointestinal ailments. While they share similar symptoms, their causes, duration, and contagiousness differ significantly. By recognizing these distinctions and following appropriate prevention and treatment strategies, you can minimize your risk and ensure a swift recovery if affected. Remember, proper hygiene, safe food handling, and prompt medical attention when necessary are key to maintaining gastrointestinal health.

Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning: What’s the Difference?

Abdominal pains, fever, and gas are common signs of many conditions, including both the stomach flu and food poisoning. The two are commonly confused. The stomach flu and food poisoning are two different conditions. 

A virus causes the stomach flu, but food poisoning is caused by bacteria, viruses, or other parasites. The former can last for days, but food poisoning usually only takes one day. Both are extremely common. The US Department of Health & Human Services estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually, which equates to 1 in 6 Americans having a food-related illness.

Speak with a Doctor Online

Although they share similar symptoms, there are differences to be aware of between the two. The signs and symptoms of the stomach flu can vary greatly from person to person and naturally develop within a day or as fast as two to three hours. Understanding the differences between stomach flu vs. food poisoning can ensure you take the right steps towards recovery as well as speed up doctor visits.

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What Is the Stomach Flu?

The phrase “stomach flu” does not necessarily make it the flu. It is not caused by the influenza virus, like most upper respiratory problems such as in your nose, throat, and lungs, and should not be confused with the “seasonal flu.” 

The medical term for the common stomach flu is “viral gastroenteritis.”

Stomach Flu Symptoms

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection associated with these symptoms:

• Nausea or vomiting: Your body recognizes the illness as a poison, so it reacts to the discomfort by vomiting.

• Watery diarrhea: Severe dehydration can also yield dark or decreased urine. Keep track of how long you have been having diarrhea if it has been more than three days, and see a doctor immediately if you have blood in your stool.

• Low-grade fever: A fever is the immune system’s attempt to combat illness such as viruses and bacteria infection. By heating up the body, fevers create an environment that tackles temperature-sensitive agents.

• Abdominal pain and cramping: A stomach bug can produce moderate pain.

How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last? 

The stomach flu usually starts one to three days after exposure and can take up to 10 days to fully heal. 

You may also be wondering how long the stomach flu is contagious? The stomach flu is highly contagious, and the length of that will depend on the type of virus that caused the infection. You are still contagious for up to three days after recovery in some cases. 

Read: How Long Does the Stomach Flu Last?

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an extensive term for some type of bacteria that has affected you. 

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Your immune system induces food poisoning to expel the illness and can present the following symptoms:

• Bloating and gas: Passing gas clears gas from the digestive tract, but lingering gas stuck in the tract can cause pain.

• Fever: You should see a doctor immediately when above 101.5 F to avoid severe dehydration.

• Muscle aches: Certain bacteria such as Staphloccus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni cause muscle pains. Inflammatory responses or irregular blood supply cause these pains.

• Weakness: Your body devotes a lot of energy to fight off the illness, and the loss of calories and electrolytes can make you feel weak.

• Abdominal pain and cramping: Your illness’s primary source is in your stomach region, so this area could experience mild to moderate discomfort. Although a stomach bug is a more general discomfort, food poisoning will yield a sharp stabbing pain.

How Long Does Food Poisoning Last? 

Food poisoning has a rapid onset of symptoms, usually appearing two to six hours after eating contaminated food or drinks. It may last up to 48 hours, but can sometimes resolve itself within 24 hours. 

How Do I Know If It’s a Stomach Virus or Food Poisoning?

Although the symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning can overlap, the primary indicator of which you have will be the timing of symptoms.  

Viral stomach flu will incubate for roughly 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus, whereas food poisoning will be much faster at 2-6 hours after eating contaminated food. Many cases of the stomach flu resolve in a few days, with more prolonged cases lasting up to 10 days. Most food poisoning cases last only for a day or two.

Read: Nausea Treatment Online

How to Prevent Food Poisoning and the Stomach Flu

Both food poisoning and stomach flu are best cured by preventative methods instead of recovery after the fact.

Preventing food poisoning can be difficult, but there are a few steps that can help. Since you are just as likely to get it from your kitchen as you are at an outside restaurant, you can take the following steps to avoid serious illnesses:

• Wash your hands, so you do not bring unnecessary agents into your kitchen and do not mix foods

• Keep your kitchen clean in case your utensils have come into contact with other foods conducive to viral growth

• Be careful of raw meat and cook it properly, so you do not get sick

• Do not consume expired food even if the food looks and smells fine, as you should respect the “use by” date to be careful of all of the harmful microscopic organisms.

• Be mindful of your leftovers in case they have been left outside of proper refrigeration for too long or have already expired

If you are dining with street food such as at food trucks, you should be mindful of exploring street food without the perils as sanitary food preparation is key to avoid food poisoning.

Since the stomach flu is contagious, you can prevent exposure to it with the following:

• Practice proper hand hygiene

• Keep your kitchen clean

• Do not prepare foods while infected

• Avoid contact with the infected

Make sure to practice these precautions even if you feel fine as you are contagious for approximately three days after recovery.

Even with safe practices and regulations in place, such as mandated hand washing and kitchen inspections, it is essential for you to recognize stomach pains and how to best take the appropriate steps for your recovery.

What to Do If You Have the Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning?

Although most cases can be treated at home with lots of fluid with electrolytes and rest, severe symptoms such as diarrhea spanning several days and high fevers should not be overlooked.

Your body is actively fighting off the causes of your pain, so take it easy while you recover. While in recovery, you should take the necessary precautions to avoid spreading the infection:

• Wash your hands in warm, soapy water for at least 20 to 30 seconds

• Avoid sharing your food or drink to prevent spreading the illness to others

• Take time off from school or work to allow the illness to heal

Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning Treatment

While your body is in recovery, you should be taking it easy. If you are keeping food down, you should follow a simple diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast (sometimes called BRAT) in addition to liquids that are heavy in electrolytes such as a sports drink. It is vital for your health to maintain a good diet while in recovery mode to replace some of the calories and electrolytes you’re losing.  

Like most recoveries, you should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy if you are sensitive to these groups. Similarly, like most illnesses, the pregnant, young, and elderly are more prone and should be extra careful when monitoring recovery.

Food Poisoning Remedies

Since the stomach flu is viral, it cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, it is possible to use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to alleviate the symptoms of the stomach flu and food poisoning, such as ibuprofen and Tylenol for fevers as well as aches. These kinds of medications can be taxing on kidneys due to dehydration and should be monitored carefully with food as well as proper fluid intake to keep your body hydrated.

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When to Contact a Doctor

Regarding your diagnosis of the stomach flu vs. food poisoning, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also take a stool sample to check for key signs such as blood or a noticeable bacteria count.

If you exhibit any symptoms of the stomach flu or food poisoning for more than a prolonged period of time, then you should make an appointment with your doctor, who can tell you about the difference between food poisoning and stomach flu.

If you are an adult, then you should contact your doctor when you are:

• Not able to keep liquids down for more than 24 hours

• Vomiting for more than two days

• Vomiting blood

• Experiencing excess dehydration such as darker urine and a dry mouth

• Noticing blood in your stool

• Experiencing a fever above 102 °F for at least a few days

If you are a parent and feel that your child is exhibiting symptoms, you should immediately consult with your doctor. Although most cases of either illness are not fatal, extra caution should be used when examining those who are young, elderly, or pregnant.

If you experience any of the symptoms above, click here to book a virtual appointment with a top U.S. doctor at PlushCare today.

Read More About Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning

• Get Stomach Flu Treatment Online

• How do I get a doctor’s note for work or school?

• Food Poisoning Treatment

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.

• Food Safety.gov. Food Poisoning. Accessed February 17, 2021, at https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-poisoning

• Keck Medicine of USC. Is It the Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning?. Accessed February 17, 2021, at https://www.keckmedicine.org/is-it-the-stomach-flu-or-food-poisoning/

• Mayo Clinic. Food Poisoning. Accessed February 17, 2021, at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230

Stomach flu (gastroenteritis) symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is a highly contagious intestinal infection that causes watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, and vomiting. It is usually due to a norovirus or rotavirus and transmits via contact with others or contaminated food or drink.

Stomach flu usually develops after contact with a person carrying the infection or consuming contaminated food or water. Often, a person can let the infection run its course. However, home remedies can relieve symptoms.

In the United States, many people recover from stomach flu within a few days without any complications. However, for people in high-risk categories and those with reduced access to healthcare facilities, it can be a severe condition and a significant cause of death.

This article examines the symptoms and causes of stomach flu in adults and children, its contagiousness, recommended methods and home remedies for treating and preventing stomach flu, and when to seek medical advice.

Although people refer to viral gastroenteritis as flu, it is not the same as influenza. Influenza only affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat, and lungs. Stomach flu affects the stomach and intestines.

Symptoms of stomach flu can include:

• watery, non-bloody diarrhea
• stomach cramps and pain
• nausea, vomiting, or both
• occasional muscle aches or headache
• low grade fever

Anyone with symptoms of stomach flu should not go to school or work as the condition is usually contagious.

Different viruses can cause stomach flu, including:

• Norovirus: This is the most contagious form.
• Rotavirus: This virus peaks between December and April.
• Adenovirus: Infection with this virus can present with a wide range of symptoms.
• Astrovirus: This mostly affects weaker immune systems.

Symptoms generally appear following contact with someone who has the infection. They can also occur after eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Doctors can offer help for some symptoms and make sure that they are not due to another illness. Some bacterial infections cause the same symptoms as stomach flu.

Stomach flu can last from days up to 2 weeks, depending on which virus causes the condition.

The symptoms of each type begin at different times after contact with the virus and last for varied periods:

• Norovirus: Symptoms usually begin 12–48 hours after contact and last 1–3 days.
• Rotavirus: Symptoms usually begin 48 hours after contact and last 3–8 days.
• Adenovirus: Symptoms usually begin 3–10 days after contact and last 1–2 weeks.
• Astrovirus: Symptoms usually begin 4–5 days after contact and last 1–4 days.

Norovirus is more contagious when a person has symptoms or during the first days after recovery. However, the virus can continue to spread for over 2 weeks after symptoms ease.

Norovirus affects people at any age. Rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus are more likely to affect children and infants, but adults can contract them too.

A parent should consult a doctor if their infant has symptoms for more than 1–2 days and is dehydrated. This can have particularly severe effects on their health.

Signs of mild to severe dehydration include:

• decrease in urination
• darker urine
• fewer tears when crying
• dry lips and mouth
• excessive sleepiness
• sunken soft spots on the heads of infants

If possible, encourage the child to take sips of fluids. Parents can help their children stay hydrated with the following:

• water
• oral and intravenous rehydration solutions
• milk, including breast milk
• juice
• their regular diet once tolerated

Doctors do not recommend electrolyte solutions or infants. These solutions contain a high level of artificial ingredients, which are not optimal to keep a child well hydrated. However, experts recommend oral rehydration solutions made of sugar and sodium as an alternative. People can administer these for children using a syringe, spoon, or cup.

There are no drugs that can cure stomach flu. Doctors do not prescribe antibiotics because a virus usually causes it.

However, there are medications that can help control symptoms:

• Ibuprofen: This can help with fever and aches, but people should use it cautiously as it can upset the stomach and give the kidneys extra work to do when they are already dehydrated.
• Acetaminophen: This is a common treatment option that has fewer side effects than ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is available on Amazon. However, this drug carries the risk of liver damage.
• Antiemetics: These can relieve feelings of nausea. Doctors may prescribe promethazine, ondansetron, metoclopramide, or prochlorperazine.
• OTC antidiarrheals: These include subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and loperamide hydrochloride (Imodium). Parents should consult a doctor before giving these medications to children, as they can be harmful to children of certain ages.

The virus usually passes on its own, but home remedies can control symptoms and provide the best relief.

Stay hydrated

People with stomach flu often lose their appetite. The body also loses a lot of fluids through diarrhea, vomiting, and sweating. This lack of food and liquids can cause dehydration.

Dehydration is when the body does not have enough water to work properly. Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, a dry mouth, tiredness, dizziness, and headache.

People with stomach flu should drink plenty of liquids such as clear soda, diluted fruit juices, or caffeine-free sports drinks, taking slow sips to help to keep fluids down. People who cannot keep food or drink down can snack on ice chips to maintain hydration. Electrolyte solutions, such as Pedialyte, can also help replace lost fluids.

Doctors recommend avoiding coffee as it can unsettle the stomach and disrupt sleep, which is important for recovery. People should also avoid alcohol because it is a diuretic, which means it reduces water content in the body.

What to eat

Stomach flu often reduces or eliminates the appetite. It can help to eat slowly and simply while appetite is low to aid recovery.

Doctors recommend that people rehydrate with fluids before transitioning to soups and broths, then try eating small meals.

Experts suggest following a bland diet to manage gastrointestinal complaints. Recommended foods include rice, pasta, or eggs. People should avoid excess fiber as it loosens the bowels. Tomato-based, fatty, and spicy dishes can also worsen diarrhea.

Rest

Stomach flu can be exhausting. The body needs as much energy as possible to fight off the infection and repair damage. For this reason, it is important to rest, allowing the immune system to work and cells to repair as quickly as possible.

Anyone with stomach flu should rest during the day and get a good night’s sleep each night.

Ginger and peppermint

Ginger helps reduce inflammation and promote digestion by relieving nausea and vomiting. It may also offer some relief from stomach cramps and bloating.

To make ginger tea:

1. Add 1 teaspoon (tsp) of powdered ginger or ½ tsp of fresh ginger root to 1 cup of water.
2. Boil for 5 minutes and let steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain the tea when using fresh ginger root.
4. Drink 2–3 times daily to get relief.

Ginger can be a spice in meals. People with stomach flu can consume ginger by taking ginger capsules, drinking ginger ale, or chewing a piece of ginger. Powdered ginger is available to buy on Amazon.

Despite the suggested gastrointestinal benefits of ginger, scientists need to conduct more extensive and well‐controlled human studies of ginger to demonstrate its efficacy.

Mint, such as peppermint, may also help soothe an upset stomach and treat gas and bloating. The most effective way to use mint for an upset stomach is to drink it as tea.

To make mint tea, a person can take a few fresh mint leaves, boil them in water, then strain the infusion.

However, there is limited data available to determine the benefit of mint in humans.

Acupressure

Some research has demonstrated that acupressure can reduce nausea.

Measure three finger-widths down from the bottom of the palm and apply pressure with your thumb to the soft part between two tendons, then massage for a couple of minutes.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a plant that can be helpful as a stomach flu remedy. It relaxes the muscles and has anti-inflammatory properties.

This plant may help relieve diarrhea, stomach cramping, bloating, nausea, and gas in some individuals. Experts suggest it can help in minor cases of gastrointestinal distress.

To make chamomile tea:

1. Add 2–3 tsp of dried chamomile flowers to a cup of hot water. These flowers are available online at Amazon.
2. Cover and let it steep for 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain, and then add some lemon juice and honey to taste.
4. Drink this tea three or four times a day for 2–3 days.

Rosemary, red, and fennel tea may also have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion.

If home remedies do not provide relief from stomach flu, a doctor can offer additional professional guidance.

Norovirus is the most common form of stomach flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year in the U.S., it causes 19–21 million illnesses, around 109,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths of adults over 65 years of age.

It is the most common cause of foodborne disease outbreaks in the U.S., causing 58% of cases.

A few simple measures can reduce the risk of catching stomach flu:

• Always wash hands before handling or preparing food and after using the toilet or changing a diaper.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables and thoroughly cook seafood before eating.
• Wipe shopping cart handles before use.
• Disinfect countertops and surfaces, and wash clothes and bedding.
• Use the dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand.
• People who begin to feel ill should not prepare food for others.
• Sick family members should self-isolate, for instance, by restricting themselves to one bathroom.

Vaccination for children

Rotavirus was previously the most common cause of stomach flu, causing around 440,000 deaths worldwide each year in children under 5.

However, since 2006, rotavirus vaccination has become available for children. Since the vaccination scheme, cases have dropped by 58–90% each year.

A person should seek immediate medical assistance if they or a child in their care experiences the following:

• a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or any fever in infants
• persistent vomiting
• diarrhea that lasts more than two days
• producing at least six loose stools in a day
• blood or pus in the stool, or black or tarry stools
• severe pain in the rectum or abdomen
• dehydration
• alteration in mental state
• being unable to keep liquids down for 24 hours

Additionally, a parent or caregiver should seek medical advice if a child cannot consume enough fluids or if liquids are not helping with symptoms. Prolonged bouts of diarrhea are considered a dangerous symptom, especially in newborns, as it can lead to severe dehydration.

The symptoms of stomach flu and food poisoning are very similar, but food poisoning is more common.

One major difference is the duration of illness. Food poisoning tends to clear up within a couple of days, but stomach flu can last for almost 2 weeks.

Learn more about the differences between stomach viruses and food poisoning here.

Symptoms of stomach flu can overlap with those of COVID-19. However, the most common feature of COVID-19 is respiratory symptoms, which do not occur with gastrointestinal conditions.

Find out more about gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19.

For people who are not at high risk and have access to healthcare facilities, stomach flu often passes on its own without causing complications. Home remedies and general good hygiene can help prevent or ease symptoms.

However, stomach flu can have strong, negative implications in some cases in people of all ages. A person should consult a doctor if they are experiencing severe symptoms or dehydration.

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  What is influenza?

  Influenza is a severe viral infection that affects men, women and children of all ages and ethnicities. Influenza epidemics happen every year, usually during the cold season. Influenza and ARVI rank first in the number of cases in the world, the share in the structure of infectious diseases reaches 95%.

  Influenza and SARS, gradually undermining health, reduce the average life expectancy of a person by several years. In severe cases of influenza, irreversible damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory organs, and central nervous system often occurs, provoking heart and vascular diseases, pneumonia, tracheobronchitis, and meningoencephalitis. Common complications after influenza are rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, otitis, exacerbation of chronic diseases, bacterial superinfection. A bacterial infection (pneumococcal, hemophilic, staphylococcal) is often introduced into an organism weakened by influenza. Influenza collects the greatest victims among the elderly population groups suffering from chronic diseases. Death from influenza can occur from intoxication, cerebral hemorrhages, pulmonary complications (pneumonia), heart or cardiopulmonary failure.

  What is SARS? What is the difference from the flu?

  The term “acute respiratory disease” (ARI) or “acute respiratory viral infection” (ARVI) covers a large number of diseases that are very similar to each other. Their main similarity lies in the fact that they are all caused by viruses that enter the body along with inhaled air through the mouth and nasopharynx, and also that they are all characterized by the same set of symptoms. The patient has a fever, inflammation in the throat, cough and headache for several days. The most common symptom of respiratory disease is a runny nose; it is caused by a number of related viruses known as rhinoviruses. With recovery, all these symptoms disappear and do not leave any traces behind.

  The influenza virus is very easily transmitted. The most common route of infection is airborne. A household transmission route is also possible, for example, through household items. When coughing, sneezing, talking, particles of saliva, mucus, sputum with pathogenic microflora, including influenza viruses, are ejected from the nasopharynx of a patient or a virus carrier. An infected zone is formed around the patient with a maximum concentration of aerosol particles. The range of their scattering usually does not exceed 2 – 3 m.

  Influenza symptoms

  Influenza usually has an acute onset. The incubation (hidden) period usually lasts 2-5 days. Then the period of acute clinical manifestations begins. The severity of the disease depends on the general state of health, age, whether the patient has been in contact with this type of virus before. Depending on this, the patient may develop one of four forms of influenza: mild, moderate, severe, hypertoxic.

  Depending on the specific type of pathogen, symptoms can vary significantly, both in severity and combination options.

  Fever

  Chills, general malaise, weakness headache, muscle pain

  Decreased appetite, possible nausea and vomiting

  Conjunctivitis (possible)

  Diarrhea (possible)

  On average, the illness lasts about 5 days. If the temperature lasts longer, there may be complications.

  Influenza and SARS prophylaxis

  Influenza and SARS prophylaxis is subdivided into non-specific and specific .

  Methods of non-specific prophylaxis:

  1. Personal hygiene.

  In other words, many diseases are associated with unwashed hands. The source, as before, is a sick person. Handshakes should be avoided during this period. After contact with door handles, toilets, handrails in public places, treat hands with an antiseptic or wash them thoroughly. Do not touch your nose, eyes, mouth with dirty, unwashed hands.

  2. Rinse the nose.

  Even if you don’t know how to do it, it’s time to learn. Now many doctors advise moisturizing or rinsing the nose during epidemics. This can be done with a saline solution (1 teaspoon of salt per liter of water) or special salt sprays, of which there are many in pharmacies.

  3. Putting on masks.

  Moreover, it is worth putting it on a sick person in order to prevent large particles of saliva from entering the space when coughing and sneezing, but it does not retain small particles.

  4. Thorough cleaning of the premises.

  The virus loves warm and dusty rooms, so you should take the time to wet cleaning and airing.

  5. Avoid crowds.

  During this period, it is better to refrain from going to theaters, circuses, cafes and other places where infected people may be and where the chance of catching the virus is high.

  6. Other methods , which include a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, exercise, walking and more.

  The World Health Organization considers vaccination to be the only socially and economically viable measure to combat influenza. Vaccination reduces morbidity by 90% and reduces hospitalization by 60%.

  The main method of specific prophylaxis against influenza is active immunization – vaccination, when a particle of an infectious agent is introduced into the body.