We’ve all heard it before—someone in the office calls in sick, saying they have “the stomach flu.” The next thing you know, half the office is feeling nauseous, running a fever, or making emergency trips to the restroom. But is the so-called “stomach flu” actually the flu? And how do you know whether you have a viral stomach bug or food poisoning?
At Elite Hospital Kingwood, we understand how severe distressing stomach illnesses can be. As a fully staffed emergency care facility with board-certified emergency physicians, 24/7 imaging, and on-site laboratory testing, we provide fast, expert care when you need it most.
Let’s dive into the differences between the stomach flu and food poisoning, how to tell them apart, and what to do if you or your family come down with symptoms in Kingwood, TX.
What Is the Stomach Flu?
Despite the name, the stomach flu isn’t actually influenza (the flu virus that affects the respiratory system). Instead, it is viral gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
The most common culprits behind the stomach flu are norovirus and rotavirus. Norovirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis and spreads rapidly in places like schools, offices, and restaurants. Rotavirus is more common in young children and can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.
Is the Stomach Flu Contagious?
Viral gastroenteritis is highly contagious. If someone in your household or office has it, you can easily catch it through direct contact (shaking hands, sharing drinks, touching contaminated surfaces), contaminated food or water (especially in buffet settings, daycare centers, or crowded workplaces), and airborne particles from vomiting (viruses can become airborne and land on surfaces) (Mayo Clinic).
This is why entire offices, classrooms, or families often fall ill at the same time. The best prevention includes washing your hands frequently, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying home if you’re sick.
What About Food Poisoning? How Is It Different?
Food poisoning happens when you consume contaminated food or drinks containing bacteria, viruses, or toxins. Unlike the stomach flu, which spreads from person to person, food poisoning comes from something you ate (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
Common causes of food poisoning include bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter, as well as viruses like norovirus. Some cases are caused by toxins found in undercooked seafood, unpasteurized dairy, or spoiled food.
Symptoms of food poisoning include rapid onset of symptoms, sometimes within 30 minutes to a few hours after eating, severe stomach cramps and vomiting, diarrhea (which can sometimes be bloody depending on the bacteria), fever, chills, and dehydration. Food poisoning is usually not contagious unless it’s caused by norovirus, which can spread between people.
Stomach Flu vs. Food Poisoning: How to Tell the Difference
If you suddenly feel sick after eating at a restaurant or potluck, food poisoning is more likely. But if multiple people in your home or office fall ill over a few days, a viral stomach bug may be to blame.
How to Prevent Stomach Flu and Food Poisoning
To avoid the stomach flu:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and phones.
- Stay home if you’re sick to avoid spreading germs.
To prevent food poisoning:
- Avoid eating undercooked meats, seafood, or eggs.
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
- Be cautious of buffet-style dining where food may sit out for long periods.
Where to Get Help When You’re Sick
For both stomach flu and food poisoning, dehydration is the biggest risk. Watch for these red flags that indicate you may need emergency medical care:
- Severe dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, dark urine, little to no urination).
- Persistent vomiting (more than 24 hours) or inability to keep fluids down.
- High fever (over 102°F).
- Bloody diarrhea.
- Severe abdominal pain.
At Elite Hospital Kingwood, our board-certified emergency physicians are available 24/7 to quickly diagnose and treat dehydration, infections, and severe stomach illnesses. Our on-site lab testing can determine whether a bacterial infection, virus, or foodborne illness is causing your symptoms.
If you or your child are experiencing severe vomiting, dehydration, or prolonged diarrhea, Elite Hospital Kingwood is here to help.
Our state-of-the-art emergency care facility provides:
- Board-certified emergency physicians, available 24/7.
- On-site imaging & laboratory testing for fast diagnosis.
- IV fluids & advanced care for severe dehydration.
When stomach illnesses strike, don’t wait—visit Elite Hospital Kingwood for fast, expert care.
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Norovirus.” CDC, 26 Apr. 2023, www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html
Mayo Clinic. “Viral Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu).” Mayo Clinic, 14 May 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Foodborne Illnesses and Germs.” FDA, 1 June 2023, www.fda.gov/food/foodborne-pathogens/foodborne-illnesses-and-germs