Stomach flu and food poisoning might share some common symptoms, but they stem from different causes and require different approaches to management.
Symptoms
Stomach Flu
Also known as gastroenteritis, stomach flu is usually caused by viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. Its symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes mild fever. Stomach flu symptoms generally develop 1-3 days after exposure.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs due to contaminated food, often by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter, or toxins produced by bacteria or moulds. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and fever. Food poisoning symptoms can start within hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food.
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Causes
Stomach Flu
Viral infections primarily cause stomach flu. It spreads through contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
Food Poisoning
Bacterial or toxin contamination in food leads to food poisoning. It can occur in undercooked or raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products, contaminated water, or food left at unsafe temperatures.
Differences between Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning
1. Onset
Stomach flu symptoms usually develop a few days after exposure, while food poisoning symptoms can appear within hours to a couple of days after consuming contaminated food.
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2. Duration
Stomach flu symptoms often last a few days to a week. In contrast, food poisoning symptoms can resolve within a day or persist for several days, depending on the severity of the contamination.
3. Treatment
Stomach flu and food poisoning both necessitate hydration and rest. However, severe cases of food poisoning might require medical attention and, in some cases, antibiotics.
4. Prevention
Practising good hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly and cooking meat thoroughly, helps prevent both stomach flu and food poisoning.
In summary, although stomach flu and food poisoning share similar symptoms, their causes, onset, duration, and treatments vary. If symptoms are severe or prolonged, seeking medical advice is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.