Going out to eat with friends or family during the holidays can be an enjoyable way to spend time together. Spending time shopping, ice skating, or looking at the lights at Camp North End can also be a great way to make memories with family and friends.  However, feeling sick afterwards can be unsettling and something you shouldn’t ignore. Understanding if your digestive upset is from contaminated food or a stomach virus can be confusing. Some of the symptoms can be the same, but understanding the differences can help you recover more quickly. This blog will help identify causes of stomach distress, the differences between a stomach virus and food poisoning, and when to seek treatment for either ailment.  

Visit AFC Urgent Care Monroe Rd, NC 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 severe. Some common symptoms are as follows: 

• Vomiting and nausea: symptoms can develop rapidly after ingesting bacteria or other contaminates in food. 

• Diarrhea: Often watery and sometimes accompanied by blood. 

• Stomach cramps and discomfort: cramping is caused by the digestive tract’s reaction to the presence of harmful bacteria or viruses, causing sometimes intense cramping and pain. 

Food poisoning typically resolves within a few days, but the intensity of symptoms can make it feel longer. Common causes of food poisoning can include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Viruses (such as Norovirus) and toxins (produced from bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus) can also cause illness. Foods that often are associated with outbreaks of food poisoning are poultry, vegetables and leafy greens, fish and shellfish, deli meats, rice, unpasteurized dairy, eggs, and fruit. This is not an exhaustive list, but these foods cause the majority of food poisoning reports across the nation. 

How Does the Stomach Virus Differ from Food Poisoning? 

The stomach virus, also known as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by viruses such as Norovirus or Rotavirus. Unlike food poisoning, a stomach virus is often contracted through person-to-person contact. Here are just a few differences between the symptoms of a stomach virus and those of food poisoning: 

• Gradual onset: stomach virus symptoms tend to develop more slowly, often over one or two days, rather than quickly after ingesting a meal. You may even feel fatigued or unwell before symptoms begin.  

• Body aches and low fever: unlike food poisoning, a stomach virus can also come with flu-like symptoms such as body aches and a mild fever. 

• Longer durations: a stomach virus can last several days to a week, with symptoms gradually improving over time. Food poisoning usually resolves more quickly with symptoms improving after 1-3 days on average.   

If you notice any of these symptoms of food poisoning or a stomach virus, you can contact AFC and book an appointment for expert treatment and care.   

What to Eat When You Have Food Poisoning or a Stomach Virus 

Dehydration is one of the biggest concerns when battling food poisoning or a stomach virus. Although you may not feel like eating much while you are experiencing digestive upset, it is critical to stay hydrated. 

• First few hours of onset: ice chips only. Swallowing or chewing anything may exacerbate symptoms but by sucking on ice chips you can prevent rapid dehydration. If ice chips can be kept down, it may be time to move on to the next step. 

• After about 6 hours of onset: clear liquids may be given. Liquids such as water, apple or grape juice, or clear broth may be tolerated by the digestive system. The vitamins and minerals found in these items can help replenish those lost early on in the illness.  

• After about 24 hours of onset: once clear liquids can be tolerated, moving on to the BRAT diet will help you recover from food poisoning or a stomach virus much quicker. The BRAT diet is a simple bland diet consisting of bananas, plain rice, apples or applesauce, and plain toast. Plain crackers, plain oatmeal, or plain grits can also be eaten.  

Always start slow and see how well you are tolerating each of these phases. The idea is to build back lost nutrients and liquids but going too quickly through these steps can make digestive upset worse and lengthen already painful symptoms.  

When to Seek Medical Help from Food Poisoning or a Stomach Virus? 

Both food poisoning and a stomach virus can lead to dehydration, which may require medical intervention. Dehydration can be serious, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms that are considered severe when battling food poisoning or a stomach virus include: 

• Severe dehydration 

• A fever of over 102°F (38.9°C) 

• Extreme drowsiness or incoherence 

• No improvement after 48 hours 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care. Walk in or book an appointment today to be seen by our providers.   

How Can I Prevent Food Poisoning and Stomach Virus? 

The most effective way to avoid foodborne or viral illness is by practicing good personal hygiene. Regular handwashing and thoroughly cleaning kitchen surfaces and utensils after preparing food plays a major role in staying healthy. Cooking food to the appropriate temperature also helps eliminate harmful bacteria. Proper food storage is equally important. Remember to refrigerate any and all leftovers within two hours of preparation to slow bacterial growth. Additional precautions include using separate cutting boards for different types of food, keeping raw meat separated from ready-to-eat items, and paying close attention to expiration and use-by dates. A few small habits can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen safe and your family healthy.