Stomach Virus vs. Food Poisoning: Symptoms, Causes & Differences

Food poisoning and a stomach virus have very similar symptoms, including diarrhea and abdominal pain. But a stomach virus (also called stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis) is caused by a virus, whereas food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria in contaminated food, such as E. coli.

Common Symptoms

• Symptoms of food poisoning and a stomach virus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.

Length of Symptoms

• Both stomach virus and food poisoning symptoms generally last one or two days, but can last up to ten days.

Complications

• The most common complication of food poisoning and a stomach virus is dehydration resulting from frequent vomiting and diarrhea. Dehydration may cause lightheadedness or dizziness.

Severity

• The main difference between food poisoning and the stomach flu is that the former can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization, or even death. This is rarely the case with a stomach virus.

Telling the Difference

• In most cases, you can't tell the difference between a stomach virus and food poisoning without a lab test, unless you know the cause of your problem---for example, eating undercooked meat or being in contact with someone who has the stomach flu.

Treatment

• Both food poisoning and a stomach virus will usually go away on their own in a few days. Simply eat bland food, such as crackers and chicken, and drink plenty of fluids. If food poisoning symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.