Nausea. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Stomach cramps.
When these symptoms hit, one question usually follows: Do I have a stomach bug or food poisoning?
Unfortunately, both conditions can cause many of the same symptoms, making them difficult to tell apart. The good news? A few key differences can help you identify what's making you sick and determine when it's time to seek medical care.
What is a stomach bug?
A stomach bug, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is an infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Despite the common nickname "stomach flu," it has nothing to do with influenza.
Influenza is a respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat and lungs. It commonly causes fever, chills, cough, congestion and body aches. Viral gastroenteritis affects the digestive system and typically causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Viruses are the most common cause of stomach bugs, though some cases can be caused by bacteria or parasites.
The most common culprit is norovirus, a highly contagious virus responsible for up to 21 million illnesses in the United States each year. Norovirus spreads easily through contaminated food, surfaces and close contact with infected individuals.
While norovirus infections occur year-round, they are most common between October and April, earning the nickname "winter vomiting disease."
What causes food poisoning?
Food poisoning occurs when you eat or drink something contaminated with bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins or other harmful substances.
Food can become contaminated during preparation, storage or handling. Eating undercooked food, consuming spoiled food or drinking contaminated water can all increase your risk.
More than 250 types of foodborne illness exist, but some of the most common causes include:
- Salmonella: Often linked to raw eggs and undercooked poultry.
- E. coli: Commonly associated with undercooked meat and contaminated produce.
- Listeria: Often found in deli meats, soft cheeses, hot dogs and raw sprouts.
- Norovirus: Can spread through contaminated food, especially shellfish, fresh produce and food prepared by someone who is sick.
According to the CDC, approximately 48 million Americans experience food poisoning each year.
Food poisoning can happen anywhere but is particularly common while traveling. To lower your risk, avoid undercooked meat, fish and eggs, and make sure drinking water comes from a trusted source.
Stomach bug vs. food poisoning: What's the difference?
The biggest difference is usually how symptoms begin and how long they last.
| Stomach Bug | Food Poisoning |
|---|---|
| Caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites | Caused by contaminated food or drink |
| Usually spreads from person to person | Usually comes from something you ate or drank |
| Symptoms develop 24 to 72 hours after exposure | Symptoms often begin within 30 minutes to 8 hours |
| Symptoms typically last 2 to 8 days | Symptoms usually improve within 12 to 48 hours |
| Often spreads through households, schools and workplaces | Usually affects people who ate the same contaminated food |
Because symptoms overlap, it can still be difficult to know for sure which one is causing your illness.
What are the symptoms of a stomach bug?
Stomach bug symptoms typically develop 24 to 72 hours after exposure.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Body aches
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Most people recover within 2 to 8 days, though some illnesses can last up to two weeks.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Food poisoning symptoms often appear much sooner than those caused by a stomach bug, sometimes within hours of eating contaminated food.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
Most healthy adults recover within 12 to 48 hours, though recovery can take longer depending on the cause of the illness.
Who is at higher risk for severe food poisoning?
Some people are more likely to develop serious complications from food poisoning, including:
- Children younger than 5
- Adults older than 65
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems
- People receiving immunosuppressive medications
- People living with cancer, autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiency disorders
If you fall into one of these groups, it's important to monitor symptoms closely and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
How can I prevent a stomach bug?
Because viral gastroenteritis spreads easily, prevention focuses on limiting exposure and practicing good hygiene.
To lower your risk:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Handle and prepare food safely.
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
- Wash contaminated clothing and bedding promptly.
- Stay home when you're sick.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
How can I prevent food poisoning?
The CDC recommends four key steps:
Clean
Wash hands, utensils, cutting boards and countertops before, during and after food preparation.
Separate
Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs away from ready-to-eat foods.
Cook
Cook foods to the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
Chill
Refrigerate perishable foods promptly and keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below.
How do you treat a stomach bug or food poisoning?
Most cases improve on their own without prescription treatment.
Recovery focuses on rest and hydration while your body clears the infection.
Drink plenty of fluids
Vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration.
Water, electrolyte solutions and oral rehydration products such as Pedialyte or DripDrop can help replace lost fluids and minerals.
Eat bland foods
When you're ready to eat, stick with gentle foods that are easy on the stomach.
Popular options include:
- Bananas
- Rice
- Applesauce
- Toast
If symptoms have been severe, consider avoiding dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, greasy foods and highly seasoned foods for several days after recovery.
Get plenty of rest
Your body needs energy to fight infection, making sleep and rest an important part of recovery.
When should I see a doctor?
Consider visiting an urgent care clinic if:
- Symptoms aren't improving after a few days
- Vomiting or diarrhea continues
- You are concerned about dehydration
- Fever develops
- Symptoms are interfering with daily activities
- You're unsure whether symptoms are caused by food poisoning, a stomach bug or another illness
When should I go to the emergency room?
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Bloody stool
- Bloody vomit
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Fever above 104°F
- Severe abdominal pain
Signs of dehydration may include:
- Dizziness
- Extreme fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Dry lips
- Dry eyes
- Headache
- Infrequent urination
Lingering stomach symptoms? Indigo Urgent Care is here.
If symptoms from a stomach bug or food poisoning aren't improving, Indigo Urgent Care can help.
Our clinicians can evaluate your symptoms, assess for dehydration and help determine the most appropriate next steps. Walk into any nearby Indigo location or schedule a visit online. We're open 8 am to 8 pm, every day, including weekends and holidays.
Prefer to stay home? Connect with a clinician through Indigo Virtual Care and get care from the comfort of your couch, bed or favorite blanket fort.
