Does Stomach Flu Register As Flu

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When yous're ill with vomiting and diarrhea, you might wonder: Is information technology something I ate? Or is information technology the stomach flu? The illnesses known as the stomach influenza and food poisoning can exist hard to tell autonomously. Learn about the causes, symptoms and treatments for these similar conditions.

Tummy flu spreads through contact with people who are sick. Photo Courtesy: Leo Patrizi/iStock by Getty Images

The tummy influenza (as well chosen viral gastroenteritis or stomach issues) is acquired by viruses that attack your intestines. It actually isn't a "flu" at all, because it'south not caused by the influenza virus. Several different viruses can cause stomach flu, including norovirus.

Breadbasket flu is spread through contact with other people, and these viruses spread easily from person to person. You can become tummy flu by:

Having direct contact with someone who'southward sick
Touching a surface with the virus on it and then touching your oral fissure
Eating food or drinking water that has the virus in it

Food poisoning is caused by eating food that has harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites in it — like salmonella or E. coli leaner. You can get food poisoning by eating food that has spoiled (gone bad) or food that wasn't washed, handled or cooked properly. Some mutual sources of food poisoning include:

Raw or undercooked beef, poultry, shellfish and eggs
Raw fruits and veggies
Unpasteurized (raw) milk, cheese and juices
Deli meats

Norovirus is a common crusade of both stomach influenza and food poisoning. But the illness this virus causes is just chosen food poisoning when you become information technology by eating food with the virus in it.

What Are the Symptoms of Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning?

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The symptoms of tum flu and nutrient poisoning are similar, and it can be hard to tell the difference. Both tin can cause:

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach ache or stomach cramps
Bloating
Fever

And then how tin you lot tell them apart? If you take muscle aches and a headache, it'south probably tummy flu — those symptoms are less common with nutrient poisoning. Also, symptoms of food poisoning tin can evidence up within hours afterwards eating the food. Tum flu symptoms unremarkably show up one to two days subsequently y'all get the virus.

What Are the Treatments for Tum Flu vs. Food Poisoning?

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If your symptoms are bad plenty that you need to see the doctor, your doctor may take either a stool (poop) sample or a blood sample to detect out what's causing your symptoms. They may also inquire you lot what you've eaten recently, whether you've been traveling and whether other people take gotten sick at your schoolhouse or work.

Treatment for stomach flu and food poisoning is similar — both need rest and lots of fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting tin cause severe dehydration, so you'll need to replace lost fluids with water or goop.

Breadbasket flu usually just has to run its class, but your doctor may prescribe fever reducers and pain relievers. In some cases, astringent food poisoning may need treatment with antibiotics to kill dangerous leaner. Your doctor can detect out what's causing your food poisoning and recommend antibiotics if you demand them.

Launder Your Easily to Prevent Tum Influenza

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Washing your hands regularly is the best way to preclude stomach flu. Carefully wash your hands with soap and water several times a day. Information technology also helps to avert sharing food, utensils, dishes, cosmetics or personal care items with other people.

Follow Food Safety Tips to Forbid Food Poisoning

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To prevent food poisoning, follow these food safety tips:

Wash fruits and veggies earlier cooking.
Keep your hands, cutting boards, cooking surfaces and utensils make clean.
Cook meat, eggs and seafood to safe cooking temperatures — and keep raw meat, eggs and seafood separate from other foods.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold — letting hot or cold foods reach room temperature can let bacteria to grow. Get leftovers into the refrigerator within 2 hours.

Resource Links:

"Food Poisoning" via Mayo Clinic
"Viral Gastroenteritis" via NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases)
"4 Steps to Food Condom" via FoodSafety.gov
"Viral Gastroenteritis" via StatPearls
"Diagnosis and Management of Foodborne Illness" via American Family Physician