There are a few key differences, though.
Symptoms of food poisoning, often start sooner than symptoms of the stomach bug, also known as norovirus.
How Long Do Symptoms Last?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
Onset and Duration
The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin.
Food poisoning causes symptoms sooner than the stomach bug.
How Soon Do Symptoms Start?
Signs of stomach flu (norovirus) typically start12 to 48 hoursafter exposure to the virus.
This usually involves bacteria likeClostridium perfringens,E.
Other viruses, bacteria, or parasites can also cause other cases of stomach flu.
At other times, testing can help trace the source of food contamination.
On an individual level, the differentiation won’t inherently alter how either disease is treated.
In some cases, they can make things worse.
It’s important to know the signs to prevent potentially serious complications likesevere dehydration.
Food poisoning is triggered by food that’s contaminated by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins.
The stomach flu is usually brought on by norovirus.
Both can typically be treated at home with hydration, over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, and rest.
If you develop either condition, watch for signs of dehydration.
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National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Treatment for food poisoning.
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