May 4, 2022
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Without warning, you feel nauseous. Sharp stomach pain lets you know you need to find the closest restroom. Is what you’re feeling a stomach virus or food poisoning? Because these two conditions have similar symptoms, it can be tough to distinguish between them.
Keep reading to learn the differences between food poisoning and stomach viruses and why it matters.
Food poisoning and a stomach virus share several symptoms, including:
A stomach virus is more likely to cause joint pain, muscle aches, fever, and weight loss. Vomiting tends to be less violent than food poisoning. There is a slight delay between feeling nauseous and vomiting most of the time.
It is uncommon for individuals with food poisoning to run a fever. Food poisoning symptoms commonly include chills, sweating profusely, and projectile vomiting (sudden and particularly forceful vomiting). People with food poisoning vomit several times, often without warning.
Individuals afflicted with a severe case of food poisoning might experience:
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, symptoms of food poisoning might occur eight to 12 hours after exposure. Or, it might take one to two days before showing signs of food poisoning.
Individuals have stomach virus symptoms within 24 to 72 hours after exposure.
Some people recover from a stomach virus in a couple of days. It’s more likely to take a week or ten days for most individuals to feel “back to normal.” You might have lingering symptoms, such as a weak stomach, fatigue, headache, or weight loss.
Food poisoning symptoms usually subside within 24 to 48 hours. Recovery time depends on how much contaminated food or liquid the individual consumes and the type of pathogen.
Of course, recovering from an acute illness varies depending on an individual’s age and overall health.
An influenza virus causes the stomach flu, also called the stomach virus. The most common culprits include norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus.
Food poisoning occurs when harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins contaminate food, beverages, and drinking water. An individual consumes the contaminated food and becomes ill. An outbreak occurs when many people consume contaminated food or drink.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common pathogens in food poisoning cases include:
Like other viruses, stomach flu is highly contagious. The most common way to contract the virus is through direct contact with an infected person, including:
You can also catch a stomach virus from touching something contaminated with a sick person’s stool, saliva, or vomit. Stomach viruses tend to affect every family member and other people who live in close quarters, such as dormitories.
Eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages can cause food poisoning. Foodborne illnesses aren’t spread person-to-person unless you touch a food poisoning victim’s stool, saliva, or blood (or contaminated items) and then eat without washing your hands.
Even foods that are safe to eat when properly prepared may cause illness when consumed raw or undercooked, such as red meat and poultry.
The following foods and beverages pose a greater risk for foodborne illnesses:
When you’re sick, your most pressing desire is to feel better. However, it’s essential to know if you have food poisoning or a stomach virus for several reasons:
Both food poisoning and a stomach virus can cause dehydration. Individuals with either condition should drink water or non-sugary electrolyte-containing drinks. Ice chips are also a good option.
However, if you have a bacterial infection, you might need to take an antibiotic. Some cases of food poisoning are severe enough to require admission to a hospital for IV fluids and medicine.
You should report suspected food poisoning so that affected distributors, manufacturers, and retailers can issue a product recall.
You could be entitled to compensation for your illness and expenses for food poisoning caused by negligence or wrongdoing. You have a limited time to pursue damages for medical care, lost wages, emotional distress, and other losses.
Food poisoning symptoms usually appear quickly — often within a few hours after eating contaminated food — and may include sudden vomiting, severe cramping, or chills. A stomach virus tends to develop more gradually and is often accompanied by fever, body aches, and known exposure to someone who was sick. Timing, what you ate, and who you were around can provide important clues.
Most mild cases of food poisoning resolve within 24 to 48 hours, though some bacterial infections can last several days or longer. Stomach viruses typically run their course over three to ten days and may leave you feeling fatigued even after digestive symptoms improve. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical care.
Food poisoning is usually not contagious because it results from consuming contaminated food or drinks rather than person-to-person contact. In contrast, stomach viruses spread easily through close contact, shared surfaces, or exposure to bodily fluids. This is why entire households or workplaces often get sick from a viral infection at the same time.
You should seek medical attention if you experience high fever, blood in your vomit or stool, signs of dehydration, severe abdominal pain, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. Vulnerable individuals — including children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems — should be evaluated sooner. Medical records also help document your illness if contaminated food may be involved.
Yes, you may be able to pursue compensation if your illness was caused by contaminated food due to a restaurant, manufacturer, or distributor’s negligence. A successful claim may cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced food poisoning lawyer can investigate the source of the contamination and help protect your legal rights.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers has helped get compensation for thousands of clients. We pursue compensation and justice for people sickened by food poisoning through no fault of their own.
For a free consultation, call (888) 828-7087 or reach out online.
