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You would have probably came across about stomach flu or stomach bug going at your work or your child’s school. What is it exactly? The medical term for this stomach flu is viral gastroenteritis. It’s an inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to a viral infection.

Meanwhile food poisoning is different things where it’s more common than the stomach flu.

What are the similarities and differences between the stomach bug and food poisoning ?

CAUSES

Stomach flu is caused by viruses. Viruses that most frequently cause it include norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.Other viruses such as astroviruses can also cause this condition.

Stomach flu caused by a rotavirus or norovirus infection is highly contagious.The most common way to contract the virus is from direct contact with someone who is sick.

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.

Food poisoning, on the other hand, is due to bacteria,virus and parasites contaminated food. Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Norovirus are among the top five germs that cause food poisoning.

You may get food poisoning from eating contaminated or undercooked meat. However, affected meat isn’t the only food that causes food poisoning. The following foods can also lead to foodborne illness:

•raw and undercooked eggs

•raw sprouts

•soft or unpasteurized cheeses, such as Brie and feta

•vegetables and fruits that aren’t well-washed

•raw fish or oysters

•contaminated water

•unpasteurized beverages, such as milk, cider, and juice

•undercooked rice

INCUBATION PERIOD

The incubation period for stomach flu is 24 to 48 hours of exposure and for food poisoning is 2 to 6 hours after consuming contaminated foods.

SYMPTOMS

Stomach flu symptoms are :

• diarrhea or constipation

• fever

• vomiting

• nausea

• stomach or intestinal cramps

• joint stiffness

• weight loss

Food poisoning symptoms are :

• diarrhea

• fever

• vomiting

• fatigue

• general malaise

• muscle aches

• headache

• sweating

• eye swelling

• difficulty breathing

• thirst

TREATMENTS

Treating a stomach bug :

- Dehydration could be the serious concern for people who have the stomach virus. Make sure you get plenty of fluids.

- Do not drink sugary drinks as these liquids don’t replace lost electrolytes. Taking in ice chips or drinking plain water is another good option for staying hydrated.

- Once you feel ready to eat again, give your stomach a break by slowly introducing bland foods such as cereals, whole grains, breads, potatoes, bananas, vegetables, fresh apples, plain yogurt, bananas.

- Avoid dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods that might upset your stomach.

Treating food poisoning :

You should immediately contact doctor if you experience any of the following:

•blood or pus in your stool

•diarrhea lasting more than three days

•fever above 100.4°F (38°C) in adults or above •101°F (38.3°C) in children

•symptoms of dehydration, including fatigue and extreme thirst

•symptoms of botulism

•symptoms of food poisoning after visiting a developing country

If you have a mild case of food poisoning, it may respond well to rest and fever-reducing medications. If you have a severe case, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluid hydration. If you have severe bacterial food poisoning, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.

Your doctor will review your symptoms and run tests to determine the best course of action.

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