Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning: What’s The Difference and How Do You Treat It?

The stomach flu is extremely common in the United States with an estimated 2,500 cases per year, according to the CDC.

Most of these cases occur during flu season from November to April, but the stomach flu is not the same thing as the typical flu most Americans think of.

In this article, we’ll discuss the stomach flu vs. food poisoning and other common gastric ailments. You’ll also learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatments.

What is the Stomach Flu?

Although it has the word “flu” in its name, the stomach flu (or gastroenteritis) is not a type of influenza.

Instead, symptoms of this illness arise from inflammation of the intestinal lining due to a viral infection, resulting in abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, and nausea.

Gastroenteritis, which goes by other names as well, such as the stomach bug, viral gastroenteritis, or stomach virus, can be worse at night due to circadian rhythms.

Stomach Flu. vs. Food Poisoning: What’s The Difference?

The stomach flu can look a lot like food poisoning, with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and cramps, fever, as well as dizziness. But they are not the same illness.

“A contagious virus usually causes the stomach flu. It spreads by contact with infected individuals or food contaminated with the virus,” says Chu I Ta, Chief Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Physician from Real Health Medical clinic in Singapore.

“Food poisoning, on the other hand, is an infection due to bacteria found in ingested food. In this case, the attack is usually acute, part of an outbreak, with a short incubation period due to the bacteria releasing toxins into the body,” Ta stated.

Stomach Flu: Causes and Symptoms

The norovirus and rotavirus cause most of the stomach flu cases. The norovirus, also known as the Norwalk virus, can infect anyone, but it’s most common in adults.

Globally, at least 1 out of every 5 cases of gastroenteritis is due to the norovirus. While a vaccine for the rotavirus is available, vaccines for the norovirus are still in development. 

Infections in younger children, especially infants, are often caused by the rotavirus. Because of the risk of dehydration leading to more severe complications, it is important to recognize and treat symptoms early.

For adults, watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. These symptoms usually develop 12 to 48 hours after an individual has been exposed to the norovirus.

Interestingly, medical observations show that not all individuals infected by the norovirus exhibit stomach flu symptoms.

In other words, some individuals may get sick from the infection, whereas others may not. Some researchers think that genetic differences could be a factor. 

Stomach Flu, According to TCM

In TCM, the root cause of diarrhea is dampness. “Those with too much dampness may be more likely to trap exogenous factors such as the norovirus in their bodies,” explains physician Chu.

“Other factors include consuming cold and raw foods that promote dampness, which negatively affects the liver and digestion. Existing chronic illnesses and old age can also result in a compromised spleen and kidney function, leading to stomach issues,” physician Chu elaborates.

How To Treat The Stomach Flu

For people who are infected with norovirus, there is no specific medicine to treat it.

Your doctor may admit you into the hospital and treat you with an IV fluid or anti-viral drugs to keep you hydrated and help clear the virus from your system if your symptoms worsen or do not get better with home treatment.

The best way is to relieve the symptoms by eating a light diet and getting adequate rest.

With frequent watery bowel movements and vomiting, replacing lost fluids with electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration salts (ORS) is essential.

Slowly introduce nutrients through bland foods, such as white rice, bananas, dry toast, or clear soup.

TCM Remedies For Alternative Treatment

“Acupuncture and herbal medication can easily remedy the stomach flu. These herbal remedies work to optimize the body’s response to external pathogens,” says Physician Chu, adding that they also help correct any patterns of disharmony that cause someone to be more susceptible to the infection.

“Additionally, working on specific acupoints will strengthen the spleen and stomach qi (vital life energy),” he notes.

Taking a high-quality probiotic, such as Gastro-Immune Probiotic, can help restore good gut bacteria that has been depleted due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Qi and Blood Nourishing Tea is easy on sensitive stomachs and can help replenish some of the nutrients lost while experiencing stomach flu symptoms, while An Ji Le (安濟樂) capsules may provide relief from indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea.

Most people get better within one to three days. However, if the symptoms persist even after receiving treatment, a TCM physician may order a blood test and a bacterial culture test to determine other possible causes of the illness.

How To Prevent The Stomach Flu

One of the best defenses against the stomach flu is to avoid infection altogether. You can do this by maintaining good health and practicing good personal hygiene.

Be sure you’re washing your hands frequently to avoid exposure to bacteria that could make you sick.

Keeping your digestive system in tip-top condition can also help ward off future infections.

Parents should keep children at home until the infection subsides to prevent spreading it to others.

Here are some other tips for preventing the stomach flu:

• Wash hands regularly
• Rinse fruits and vegetables before eating them
• Regularly clean and disinfect areas where you spend a lot of time, especially the kitchen and bathroom
• Avoid eating raw or under cooked meat and eggs
• Drink bottled water when traveling
• Do not consume foods that are not pasteurized, such as dairy products and juice

When To See A Doctor

You can try to treat the stomach flu at home using the remedies mentioned above. However, it’s important to know when you should seek medical treatment.

See a doctor for the stomach flu if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Symptoms of dehydration, such as low urine output, dry mucus membranes, dizziness, lightheadedness, and dark, infrequent urine
• High fever
• Severe pain
• Blood diarrhea or blood in urine
• Symptoms that do not get better after several days

As much as we try to prevent infection, just like the regular flu, many of us will have experienced the stomach flu at least a few times in our lives.

Fortunately, with some symptom-calming remedies, rehydration, nutrient replacement, and sufficient rest, you will be well on your way to recovery.