Is It a Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning?

We’ve all been there, and it’s not pleasant: vomiting, a bad case of diarrhea or both. You ask yourself in moments of misery: “Was it something I ate, or did I catch this from someone at work?” Most of the time, we self-diagnose: “I have the stomach flu!” But how can you tell if it’s a virus or some other type of food poisoning?  Urgent care provider Joshua Faucher, MD, breaks down what might actually be going on.

The Stomach "Flu” Isn’t Actually the Flu

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First of all, what we commonly refer to as the stomach “flu” isn't necessarily the flu at all. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps can be caused by many different viruses, bacteria or even parasites.  

Bacterial Food Poisoning

These infections most often occur after eating food that is undercooked, improperly stored or contaminated during preparation — particularly meat, poultry and dairy products. In recent years, Listeria and Salmonella have also been responsible for some of the largest FDA recalls involving packaged foods and fresh produce.

Common Viruses

Viruses can also cause upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. The most common cause is Norovirus, which is the leading reason people in the United States seek medical care for vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads easily through contact with the vomit or stool of an infected person, as well as through contaminated food or surfaces. Norovirus is well known for causing large outbreaks in close settings, such as cruise ships. During flu season, influenza can also cause nausea and diarrhea in addition to its more typical respiratory symptoms.

Parasitic Infections

Parasites are a less common cause of vomiting and diarrhea, especially in developed countries, but they can still occur in the United States. One example is Giardia, which has been known to cause outbreaks in settings such as daycare centers. Another parasite, Cryptosporidium, has been associated with infections linked to drinking unpasteurized milk or cider.

How to Reduce Your Risk

7 habits that can significantly lower your chances of getting sick:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and before eating.
2. Avoid unpasteurized foods and beverages.
3. Refrigerate perishable foods below 40°F.
4. Discard food left out for more than two hours.
5. Keep raw meat separate from other foods during preparation.
6. Wash surfaces, utensils and hands after handling raw meat.
7. When traveling, research water safety and avoid tap water or ice in areas with poor sanitation.

Where Did My Infection Come From?

It’s not always possible to pinpoint the exact source. However, timing can provide clues:

Food poisoning

• Symptoms often start within a few hours to 24 hours after eating contaminated food.
• Illness usually improves within 48–72 hours.

Viruses & Other Common Infections

• Symptoms may take several days to appear.
• Illness can last up to a week.

When Should You Seek Medical Care?

Treatment and recovery are similar for all of these illnesses. The first priority is staying hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids such as water, sports drinks or broth.

Once you’re able to tolerate liquids, begin adding simple, bland foods. Good options include crackers, plain bread, plain noodles, bananas and boiled or steamed vegetables. Avoid juice and soda, as they can worsen symptoms. Also avoid greasy, fatty or spicy foods until you have fully recovered.

Signs that your illness may need more advanced medical care include:

• Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
• More than six episodes of diarrhea per day.
• Blood in vomit or stool.
• Fever above 101°F lasting more than 24 hours.
• Severe abdominal pain.
• Signs of dehydration, including:
  • Very dry mouth or tongue.
  • Severe thirst.
  • Dark yellow urine or no urination for over five hours.
  • Dizziness, confusion, or lightheadedness.

Certain groups may be more vulnerable and require urgent medical care, including:

• Infants and young children.
• Older adults.
• People with weakened immune systems.
• Anyone recently hospitalized or treated with antibiotics.

Urgent care centers can often provide anti-nausea medications and IV fluids if dehydration develops. However, severe abdominal pain may require evaluation at an ER, where advanced imaging tests are available.

Still unsure if this is an ER or urgent care trip? 
View the full list of conditions treated at urgent care vs. the ER, save time with our Get In Line tool, and find Overlake urgent care locations across the Eastside.