Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Flu: What's the Difference? (2024)

It can be hard to tell the difference between norovirus (the most common cause of stomach flu) and food poisoning because both cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

A few signs can differentiate the two, including when symptoms start and how long they last. With food poisoning, symptoms often start sooner than with the stomach bug, sometimes within minutes of eating contaminated food. Norovirus symptoms can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours to develop.

While there are many overlapping gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms between norovirus and food poisoning, they are caused by different things. A virus causes norovirus, and food poisoning can have several different causes, ranging from bacteria to parasites to viruses.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus

Some of the symptoms of food poisoning are the same as symptoms of norovirus, so it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone.

Here is how the two illnesses compare side by side:

In a nutshell, food poisoning and norovirus both cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, but norovirus (like most communicable viral diseases) typically leads to flu-like symptoms.

On the other hand, food poisoning is more likely to cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as projectile vomiting and bloody stools. Food poisoning and norovirus can cause gastroenteritis — irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines.

Onset of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus

The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. Food poisoning causes symptoms sooner than the stomach bug. This is explained by how both diseases work:

• With food poisoning, symptoms are often caused by the release of enterotoxins by bacteria found in contaminated foods. These toxins directly target and attack the intestines.
• With norovirus, it is the virus that directly attacks the intestines. But in order to cause significant symptoms, the virus needs to replicate to substantial numbers, and this takes time.

Causes of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus

Not only are the organisms that cause food poisoning and stomach flu different but so are some of the ways they are spread.

Causes of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by eating something that is contaminated with germs, also known as a foodborne illness. This usually involves bacteria like E. coli (Escherichia coli), Staphylococcus aureus, or Salmonella, but there are viruses or parasites that can also cause food poisoning.If the food is not cooked, the germs can be passed to someone who eats the food.

The contamination can occur at several points, including:

• The farm or ranch where the food was grown
• Processing facilities
• Stores where the food is sold
• Food delivery services
• Improper home preparation or storage
• Improper cooking or handling (e.g., leaving a mayo-based dish in the hot sun for hours at a picnic)
  

Causes of Norovirus or Stomach Bug

Norovirus is the predominant cause of stomach flu in adults, while rotavirus is the most common cause in children. Other viruses, bacteria, or parasites can also cause other cases of stomach flu.

With Norovirus, the transmission route is broader because the virus tends to be more challenging to neutralize on surfaces than foodborne bacteria.

Norovirus is commonly spread through:

• Contaminated food or drink
• Touching contaminated surfaces
• Person-to-person contact with an infected person

Depending on the conditions, norovirus can live on surfaces for days to several weeks. It is also incredibly challenging to disinfect. Additionally, individuals who have had Norovirus can remain infectious for up to two weeks after their symptoms have resolved.

This is why it is essential to properly disinfect surfaces during and after suspected Norovirus exposure and practice diligent hand hygiene.

Diagnosis of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus

The diagnosis of food poisoning and norovirus is more or less the same, and many of the tools used for the diagnosis (such as stool cultures) check for both bacterial and viral causes.

If you are suspected of having food poisoning or norovirus, the diagnosis will typically involve:

• A review of your symptoms
• A review of your medical history
• A physical examination
• A stool culture to check for suspected bacteria or virus

Testing is especially relevant if there is a community outbreak (such as an outbreak on a cruise ship or in a hospital). At other times, testing can help trace the source of food contamination.

On an individual level, the differentiation won't inherently alter how either disease is treated.

With that said, the differentiation may be essential for those who are at high risk of complications, Including:

• Older adults
• People with compromised immune systems
• People who are pregnant
• Anyone with persistent or severe symptoms
  

Treatment of Food Poisoning vs. Norovirus

The treatment of food poisoning and the stomach flu are similar. Generally speaking, antibiotics (used for bacterial infections) and antivirals (used for viral infections) are of little help once symptoms start. In some cases, they can make things worse.

For most people, treatment can be delivered at home and may include:

• Bed rest
• Ample hydration: With plain water or electrolyte drinks
• Bland diet: Including soft foods like white bread, applesauce, or bananas
• Anti-nausea medications: Like Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate)
• Anti-diarrhea medications: Like Imodium (loperamide)
• Over-the-counter painkillers: Like Tylenol (acetaminophen)
• Prescription drugs: Like Zofran (ondansetron) or Reglan (metoclopramide) for severe nausea and vomiting
  

Prevention of Food Poisoning vs. Stomach Bug

Food poisoning generally isn't contagious from person to person in the way that the stomach flu is. Because the modes of transmission are different, there are different precautions you may need to take to avoid getting or spreading these diseases.

Preventing Food Poisoning

To prevent food poisoning, you should as a general rule:

• Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food.
• Separate raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs from ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook food to the right internal temperature to kill potentially harmful bacteria.
• Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.

Preventing the Stomach Flu

To prevent the spread of norovirus while someone in your home is sick:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Keep your hands away from your mouth.
• Handle and prepare food safely.
• Clean and disinfect common surfaces.
• Wash laundry thoroughly, including towels and bedding.
  
• Avoid unnecessary touching of the sick person.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

There are times when you need more than home-based care if you have food poisoning or stomach flu. It's important to know the signs to prevent potentially serious complications like severe dehydration.

If you have food poisoning, seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Temperature over 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• An inability to keep liquids down
• Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

If you have norovirus, seek immediate medical care if you have:

• Diarrhea lasting more than two days
• High fever
• Frequent vomiting
• Six or more loose stools in one day
• Severe abdominal or rectal pain
• Changes in mental state (such as confusion or irritability)
• Black or tarry stools (indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding)

Summary

Food poisoning and the stomach flu can come with similar symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, but they’re different conditions. Food poisoning is caused by food that's contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. The stomach flu is usually caused by norovirus.

Both can typically be treated at home with hydration, over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and rest. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by practicing good hygiene habits and ensuring foods are prepared and served safely.

If you develop either condition, watch for signs of dehydration. See a healthcare provider if you have a weak immune system, are pregnant or elderly, or you have severe or lingering symptoms.