Is it food poisoning or the stomach flu? Learn the symptoms and when to visit urgent care near you. Get the right treatment quickly for faster recovery.

When it comes to stomach ailments, it’s not always easy to distinguish between food poisoning and the stomach flu. Both can cause discomfort with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, but the causes, duration, and treatment methods are different. Understanding the differences can help you figure out whether you need medical care and what steps to take for recovery. As the holidays approach in East Tennessee, you can enjoy the beautiful season while taking precautions. Whether you’re checking out the Christmas lights at Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Sevierville or exploring the festive events at the Knoxville Christmas Market, it’s important to take care of your health so you can fully enjoy the local festivities. With a little bit of holiday cheer at places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or the lively celebrations in Gatlinburg, staying healthy ensures you can experience the full holiday magic without missing out on all that East Tennessee has to offer!

Visit AFC Urgent Care clinics of East Tennessee today.

What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning symptoms generally appear within hours after consuming contaminated food. The onset is often quick and can be quite severe. Some common symptoms include:

• Vomiting and nausea: These symptoms can develop rapidly, usually after ingesting bacteria or toxins present in the contaminated food.
• Diarrhea: Often watery and sometimes accompanied by blood, diarrhea is a hallmark of food-borne illness. It can cause dehydration if fluids aren’t replaced.
• Stomach cramps and discomfort: The gastrointestinal tract reacts to the harmful bacteria or viruses, causing cramping and pain.

Food poisoning typically resolves within a few days, but the intensity of symptoms can make it feel longer. Common culprits for food-borne illnesses include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and viruses like Norovirus.

How Does the Stomach Flu Differ from Food Poisoning?

The stomach flu, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus. Unlike food poisoning, which stems from eating contaminated food, the stomach flu is often contracted through person-to-person contact. Here’s how the stomach flu differs from food poisoning:

• Gradual onset: Stomach flu symptoms tend to develop more slowly, often over one to two days, rather than rapidly after eating. You may feel unwell and fatigued before symptoms fully emerge.
• Body aches and low fever: Unlike food poisoning, which primarily affects the digestive system, the stomach flu can also come with flu-like symptoms such as body aches and a mild fever.
• Longer duration: Stomach flu can last several days to a week, with symptoms gradually improving over time. Food poisoning, on the other hand, is usually shorter in duration, often improving after 1–3 days.

What Causes Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is typically caused by consuming food or beverages that are contaminated with harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Common causes of food-borne illnesses include:

• Bacteria: E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria are some of the most common bacteria found in contaminated food, especially undercooked meats, eggs, dairy, and unwashed produce.
• Viruses: Norovirus, which is the most common cause of food-borne illness outbreaks, is highly contagious and spreads quickly in crowded environments such as restaurants or cruise ships.
• Toxins: Some bacteria produce toxins that can cause illness even after the bacteria are no longer present in the food. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus are examples.

When Should I Visit Urgent Care for These Symptoms?

Both food poisoning and stomach flu can lead to dehydration, which may require medical intervention. Dehydration is a serious condition that can be life-threatening, especially in young children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems. If you or someone in your household is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek urgent care:

• Dehydration: Signs include dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, and little or no urine output. If dehydration becomes severe, urgent care can administer IV fluids to rehydrate the body quickly.
• Severe or prolonged symptoms: If your symptoms last longer than 48 hours, or you experience extreme pain, vomiting, or diarrhea, medical intervention may be necessary. A doctor can assess your condition and rule out other complications.
• High fever: If you have a fever above 101°F (38.3°C), especially if it’s accompanied by confusion or persistent vomiting, AFC Urgent Care can help manage your symptoms and prevent complications.

How Can I Prevent Food Poisoning and Stomach Flu?

• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food, and always clean kitchen surfaces and utensils properly.
• Cook food to safe temperatures: Use a thermometer to ensure that meats, especially poultry, are cooked to the recommended temperatures (165°F for turkey, for example).
• Store food properly: Refrigerate leftovers within two hours to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Understanding the differences between food poisoning and the stomach flu can help you take the right steps toward treatment and recovery. If symptoms are severe or persist, seeking medical care promptly can help prevent further complications and ensure faster healing. Visit AFC Urgent Care clinics of East Tennessee today!