Food Poisoning Vs. the Stomach Flu—What's the Difference? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Kimberly Zapata
·5 min read
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Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea—these are just a few signs something is amiss. That something is (gastrointestinally speaking) wrong. But is it the stomach flu, or something else? Did you eat a bad hamburger, tainted lettuce (hello, food poisoning), or come in contact with someone who is sick? While it may not matter at the moment, especially since you are likely just looking for help—for comfort and relief—many of us are quick to assume that we ate some bad. But that's not always the case! Here’s everything you need to know about food poisoning vs. the stomach flu.

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is very common. In fact, an estimated 48 million people experience food poisoning each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that means one in six Americans will contract some form of food poisoning every year. However, the cause of food poisoning, or foodborne illnesses, varies—food poisoning occurs when individuals consume contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. Cross-contamination is often the cause of food poisoning, as is undercooking. Preparation mishandling regularly occurs. "Food poisoning usually occurs when food is not handled or cooked correctly," Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD, host of The Doctor Oz show and professor of surgery at Columbia, tells Parade.com. "And uncooked, ready-to-eat foods, such as salads, are particularly at risk of contamination.

Related: How Long Does a Cold Last? 

What is the Stomach “Flu?”

Despite its name, the stomach “flu” is not actually a type of flu, nor is it caused by the influenza virus. Rather, a stomach bug or “flu” is an intestinal infection marked by diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

"Stomach bug and stomach 'flu' are both terms used to describe viral gastroenteritis," Dr. Oz says. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread quickly. "The most common way to contract the virus is from direct contact with someone who is sick," he adds. "However, you can also contract the virus from contact with something someone infected has touched that contains their stool, saliva, or vomit substance with the virus in it."

Related:Stomach Virus Symptoms, Treatment and Remedies

How Do the Symptoms Vary and How are They Similar, i.e. What are the Symptoms of Each?

The symptoms of food poisoning and the stomach “flu” are quite similar. In fact, Dr. Peter Bailey, MD, a family physician located in the Bay Area, says, “the symptoms of both food poisoning and the stomach flu are nearly identical.” However, there are some differences. The stomach bug or “flu,” for example, can cause general aches and pains. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and headaches can also occur.

Symptoms of the stomach "flu":

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach or intestinal cramps

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Weight loss

  • Joint aches

  • Muscle aches

  • Thirst

  • Headache

  • Lightheadedness

  • General malaise

Symptoms of food poisoning

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Stomach or intestinal cramping

  • Fatigue

  • Diarrhea

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Sweating

  • Thirst

  • General malaise

In extreme cases, food poisoning can be life-threatening. If you experience severe symptoms of dehydration—like dry mouth, passing little to no urine, and/or difficulty keeping fluids down—bloody urine, or prolonged diarrhea (which is defined as diarrhea lasting three days or more), contact your doctor immediately.

What Causes Food Poisoning? 

As previously mentioned, the cause of food poisoning varies. “Food poisoning generally occurs when someone eats food that has been contaminated with infectious microorganisms, including mold, bacteria, viruses, and other parasites,” Bailey explains. “When food is exposed to such infectious organisms in the preparation process or left to sit out too long, it can become extremely dangerous, and ingesting food that has been exposed to such contaminants may lead some people to suffer the effects of foodborne illness, ranging from mild to severe symptoms.”

What Causes the Stomach "Flu?"

Several different viruses can cause the stomach bug or stomach “flu,” including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus. Other viruses, such as astroviruses, can also cause this condition. However, it is important to note that while food poisoning can be bacterial in nature and/or caused by a parasite, the stomach "flu" is almost always caused by a virus.

Related: The 10 Best Foods to Eat When You Are Sick

How are the Gastrointestinal Issues Treated?

While there is no cure for viral gastroenteritis or food poisoning, you can treat your symptoms. Antidiarrheals, for example, can help alleviate temporary or recurrent liquid bowel movements. Medications like Pepto Bismol can ease nausea, bloating, and generalized discomfort. However, the best way to manage your symptoms is to employ general self-care strategies.

"If you experience any symptoms [of food poisoning or gastroenteritis] make sure you get plenty of fluids," Oz says. "Adults can drink fluids, such as sports drinks with electrolytes, and children can also drink fluid replacement solutions, such as Pedialyte. These drinks coupled with water will help restore the body’s hydration balance. For best results, drink a few sips every half hour to an hour.

Once you feel ready to again, give your stomach a break by slowly introducing bland foods, such as cereal, bread, and potatoes. Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods that might upset your stomach." Rest is also very important.

Next up, do you have a cold or the flu? Here's how to tell. 

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