Nausea is often associated with stomach bugs, but many people are surprised to feel sick to their stomach when they have the flu. If you’re dealing with nausea alongside body aches, fever, or respiratory symptoms, it can be hard to tell whether you’re dealing with influenza or a gastrointestinal illness. While nausea is more commonly linked to stomach bugs, it can be a symptom of the flu, especially in children and some adults. Understanding the differences between these two illnesses can help you decide when to rest at home and when to seek urgent care.
For same-day flu symptom relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our experienced medical team is available 7 days a week to treat your condition– both in-person and via telemedicine. Walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
Can the Flu Cause Nausea?
Yes, influenza can cause nausea. Although the flu primarily affects the respiratory system, it can also trigger gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
These symptoms are more common in children but can occur in adults as well. Nausea with the flu is often caused by fever, inflammation, dehydration, and the body’s overall immune response, not because the virus is directly infecting the stomach.
What is a Stomach Bug?
A stomach bug, medically known as viral gastroenteritis, is an infection of the digestive tract. Common causes include norovirus and rotavirus. Unlike the flu, a stomach bug does not affect the lungs or airways. Typical stomach bug symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
Symptoms usually begin quickly and can be intense, especially vomiting and diarrhea.
Key Differences Between the Flu and a Stomach Bug
Although nausea can occur with both illnesses, there are several key differences between the flu and a stomach bug. Influenza typically causes systemic and respiratory symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Nausea or vomiting may occur with the flu, especially in children, but respiratory symptoms are usually present and more prominent. Flu-related nausea typically improves within a few days as fever and inflammation subside.
In contrast, a stomach bug primarily affects the digestive system. Symptoms tend to start suddenly and usually include intense nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Fever may be mild, and respiratory symptoms are usually absent. Stomach bug nausea often lasts 1 to 3 days but may resolve sooner than diarrhea.
When to Seek Urgent Care
You should visit an urgent care center if you or your child experiences:
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Signs of dehydration
- High fever
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Severe abdominal pain
- Extreme fatigue
- Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
Urgent care providers can perform flu testing, rule out other infections, provide anti-nausea medications if appropriate, and help prevent complications.
Get Walk-In Influenza & Stomach Bug Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
While nausea is more commonly associated with stomach bugs, it can be a symptom of the flu, especially when accompanied by fever, body aches, and respiratory symptoms. Paying attention to the full range of symptoms can help determine the cause. If you’re unsure whether nausea is related to influenza or a stomach bug, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. We can provide clarity, testing, and treatment to help you recover safely. We’re available 7 days a week to treat your condition, with no appointment required. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about flu treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 477-6000.
