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Vitality Urgent Care Blog

Stomach Flu or Food Poisoning? Know the Signs and Get Relief

Stomach Flu

Dealing with stomach trouble like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can feel overwhelming. Is it stomach flu, food poisoning, or something else entirely? These two conditions share many symptoms, but their causes and treatments differ. Knowing the differences can help you get the right care.

Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis):

  • Caused by a virus (such as norovirus or rotavirus).
  • Spreads easily through contact with infected people, surfaces, or contaminated water.
  • Symptoms typically last 1–3 days.

Food poisoning:

  • Caused by eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with bacteria (like Salmonella or E. coli), toxins, or viruses.
  • Symptoms often begin within hours of eating and can last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
  • Often linked to undercooked meat, unwashed produce, or spoiled food.

Common Symptoms

Both conditions can cause:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever

Key differences to look for:

  • Onset time: Food poisoning symptoms often start quickly, while stomach flu symptoms may take 1–2 days to appear.
  • Fever: More common with stomach flu.
  • Duration: Stomach flu typically lasts longer (1–3 days or more), while food poisoning often resolves faster unless it’s a severe case.

Could It Be Another Condition?

If you’re experiencing stomach symptoms, it’s important to consider other possible causes.

Other conditions to watch for:

  • Appendicitis: Severe lower right abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. Requires emergency care.
  • Gallbladder issues: Pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods.
  • Kidney infections or stones: Nausea, vomiting, back pain, or difficulty urinating.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Cramping, bloating, and diarrhea triggered by stress or specific foods.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

Managing Symptoms at Home

For mild symptoms, you can often manage your recovery with simple home remedies:

  • Stay hydrated: Sip water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks.
  • Eat bland foods: Start with gentle options like rice, bananas, or toast when you feel ready to eat.
  • Get plenty of rest: Your body needs time to recover, so take it easy and avoid strenuous activities.
  • Monitor symptoms: If they worsen or last more than a few days, it may be time to seek professional care.

When to Visit Urgent Care

While many cases of stomach flu or food poisoning improve with rest and hydration, some symptoms signal the need for medical attention:

  • Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, or no urination).
  • High fever (over 101°F).
  • Blood in vomit or stool.
  • Symptoms lasting longer than three days.
  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain.

What We Do at Buffalo Grove Urgent Care

When you visit urgent care, we focus on finding the cause of your symptoms and providing the right treatment.

What you can expect:

  • Testing to pinpoint the issue, including:
    • Blood tests to check for infections or dehydration.
    • Stool tests to detect bacteria, viruses, or toxins.
    • Imaging (if needed) to rule out conditions like appendicitis or gallstones.
  • Treatments tailored to your needs:
    • IV fluids to address dehydration.
    • Anti-nausea medications to ease symptoms.
    • Antibiotics for bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli.
    • Dietary recommendations to promote recovery.

Find Relief Today

If you’re dealing with stomach flu, food poisoning, or another condition, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Our team at Buffalo Grove urgent care provides fast, effective treatment to help you feel better quickly.

Walk in today—no appointment needed. Let us help you get back to feeling your best.

 

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