Digestive discomfort often brings two culprits to mind: stomach flu and food poisoning. Both conditions share overlapping symptoms that can be a source of distress, including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Understanding the nuances between the two conditions is crucial for effective management and prevention.
Causes
Stomach flu, known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viruses. The most common trigger for this condition is norovirus, but there are other viruses that may cause stomach flu as well, such as rotavirus, adenovirus, and astrovirus, to name a few. You can catch the stomach flu through close contact with someone who is currently infected with these viruses.
Food poisoning, on the other hand, is caused by bacteria. Improper preparation, undercooking food, or improper storage can lead to food contamination from common bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Symptoms
Stomach flu (stomach bug) and food poisoning have similar warning signs which includes diarrhea, stomach or intestinal cramps, fever, chills, and malaise (a general feeling of being unwell or weak), to name a few.
Stomach flu symptoms typically take longer to appear versus food poisoning. The incubation period of viruses is typically between one to two days, and symptoms may last for another one to three days. Other symptoms you might experience when you have caught the stomach bug include weight loss, joint aches, muscle aches, thirst, or headache.
Food poisoning, on the other hand, can appear within hours, depending on the cause. Symptoms can last for a few hours to several days. In critical cases, you may also observe having bloody stool or vomit, intense abdominal cramps, shock, and even loss of consciousness.
Treatment
The recommended treatment for both stomach flu and food poisoning is hydration and rest. Dehydration is one of the most common risks caused by these two digestive concerns, which is why loading up on fluids is important.
Diarrhea may be relieved with the help of over-the-counter medications like loperamide. Fever is another common symptom brought about by stomach flu and food poisoning, which may also lead to dehydration. Medicines like paracetamol may help to reduce fever and therefore lessen your risk for dehydration.
Prevention
Prevention is key to avoiding stomach flu and food poisoning. Catching a stomach bug may be prevented with frequent and proper handwashing especially before handling food and after close contact with other people.
Food poisoning may be avoided with proper handling and cooking of food. Ensuring that meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are cooked thoroughly can help kill harmful bacteria. Refrigerating leftovers within two hours of cooking is also recommended to help decelerate bacterial growth.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention can pave the way for good digestive health and overall well-being.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/stomach-bug-or-food-poisoning
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/flu-vs-food-poisoning
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20356230
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/symptoms.html
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-poisoning.html
https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Why-is-a-refrigerator-important-for-keeping-food-safe
