As temperatures rise and summer activities move outdoors, so do the risks of stomach bugs that can quickly ruin your sunny plans. Whether it's a picnic in the park or a backyard barbecue, food left out in the heat, or unwashed hands can lead to sudden bouts of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. But is it food poisoning from something you ate or a viral infection picked up from someone else?
For same-day care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care West Orange. Our urgent care center provides preventive and immediate urgent care services 7 days a week. Walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Are The Differences in Symptoms?
While food poisoning and stomach viruses can cause similar symptoms, there are key differences that can help you tell them apart. Food poisoning strikes quickly, often within a few hours of eating contaminated food. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea can be intense but short-lived. Depending on the bacteria or toxin involved, you may also experience fever or chills.
In contrast, a stomach virus (such as norovirus or rotavirus) typically takes a day or two after exposure to cause symptoms. These may include watery diarrhea, low-grade fever, body aches, and fatigue, and they often last longer, anywhere from two to three days up to a week. While both illnesses affect the digestive system, the timing and duration of symptoms can help point to the cause.
What Are the Differences in Causes?
The causes of food poisoning and stomach viruses are different, even though they produce similar digestive distress. Food poisoning is caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and toxins or parasites. On the other hand, stomach viruses, also known as viral gastroenteritis, are caused by viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus. These viruses spread through close contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces, or consuming food and water handled by someone who is infected. In short, food poisoning is typically linked to what you eat, while stomach viruses are usually spread through what you touch or who you're around.
What Are the Possible Complications?
While most cases of food poisoning and stomach viruses resolve on their own, both can lead to complications. The most common risk for both is dehydration, caused by frequent vomiting and diarrhea that depletes the body's fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases, this can lead to dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, or even hospitalization.
Food poisoning may also cause more serious issues depending on the bacteria involved. For example, E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious condition that affects the kidneys. Viral infections, though usually milder, can sometimes trigger complications like prolonged fatigue or, in rare cases, secondary infections. Monitoring symptoms and staying hydrated is essential, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a few days.
Get Walk-In Symptom Relief at AFC Urgent Care West Orange
If you're dealing with persistent stomach symptoms and aren't sure whether it's food poisoning or a virus, it's better to play it safe. Long-lasting symptoms are warning signs of a more serious infection requiring medical attention. At AFC Urgent Care West Orange, we can quickly assess your condition, provide fluids or medications, and help rule out more dangerous causes. When in doubt, a timely visit to us can bring peace of mind and get you back on your feet faster. Most major insurances are accepted and we offer affordable rates for our self-pay patients. For more information about our services, please give us a call at (973) 804-9137.
