Nobody enjoys getting an upset stomach, especially when it leads to nausea, diarrhea or other symptoms that come along with it. There are many things that can cause an upset stomach, such as lifestyle choices and diet (overeating or consuming spicy food, for example). However, there may be a more serious cause behind the symptoms, such as a stomach virus or food poisoning.
Since both of these illnesses have common symptoms, they are often mistaken for each other. That said, they have clear differences that set them apart, such as how they’re caused and how fast the symptoms appear. By knowing the difference, you’ll better understand how to prevent them in the future and what to expect from your recovery.
Stomach Virus vs. Food Poisoning
Symptoms
Common symptoms of stomach virus:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Joint and muscle aches
- Headache
- Thirst
- Weight loss
Common symptoms of food poisoning:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Chills
- Sweating
- Muscle aches
While the symptoms are almost identical, there is one important thing that sets them apart: timing. The symptoms of food poisoning will appear only hours after consuming a meal, while stomach flu symptoms usually appear within a day or two after exposure to the virus.
Causes
Stomach Virus
Stomach viruses are spread by contact with an infected person, subject, or object. For this reason, it’s likely to spread in places with a lot of people, such as schools, malls, restaurants, and daycares, among others. While it can be brought on by a variety of viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins, it’s frequently caused by norovirus or rotavirus.
Food Poisoning
On the contrary, food poisoning is caused by the consumption of food or water that’s contaminated. The common bacterias that lead to food poisoning include E. coli and Salmonella, although other germs, viruses, and parasites can be blamed as well.
Treatment
Food poisoning and stomach viruses don’t always require a trip to the doctor. Nevertheless, when a person does seek medical attention, the healthcare provider will review their symptoms and medical history, perform a physical examination, and ask about recent activity (since stomach viruses are often caused in crowded places). If there’s a viral outbreak that’s affecting many people, then they may run tests to identify the strain of virus that’s being spread.
Many times, food poisoning and stomach viruses can be treated from home, which often includes:
- Staying hydrated: Hydration is one of the most important components of recovery. This is because vomiting and diarrhea can cause a person to become dehydrated, while an upset stomach also makes it difficult to eat (food provides nutrients that aid in the recovery).
- Getting rest: Rest helps your body to heal. Since you shouldn’t be around people when you’re sick anyways, it’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on your sleep.
- Using over-the-counter medications: There are many medications that help reduce the symptoms of an upset stomach or fever, such as Pepto-Bismol or Tylenol.
Although these methods may work for some, others will be affected more severely. You should contact your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that aren’t going away, diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days, a fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, or severe abdominal pain.
