Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea can be scary. You might not be certain if it’s a stomach bug or food poisoning. Both make you feel bad. Both can make your whole family worry. We will help you tell the difference.
What Is a Stomach Bug?
A stomach bug is caused by a virus. It’s commonly known as “stomach flu,” but it isn’t the flu that affects the chest. A stomach bug comes from a virus that attacks the belly. It spreads when one person touches another. It also spreads when people touch things the sick person touched. Stomach bugs are common. Kids get them a lot.
What Is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning comes from bad food. A germ, like bacteria or a virus, may live in the food. Toxins can also cause it. You get sick after you eat the food. The food may look fine. The germs do not always change how the food looks or smells.
How Fast Do Symptoms Start?
Timing helps tell the difference.
- Stomach bugs often start slowly. You may feel tired first. Then you get nausea, then vomiting or diarrhea for a day or two.
- Food poisoning can start fast. Some people get sick within a few hours after eating. Others may start a day later. It depends on the germ.
If many people who ate the same food get sick quickly, it is likely food poisoning.
What Symptoms Are the Same?
Both can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Low fever or no fever
- Feeling very tired
Because the symptoms look the same, we use other clues to tell them apart.
Clues That Point to Food Poisoning
Look for these signs:
- Symptoms began within hours of a meal.
- Others who consumed the same food are unwell.
- You had reheated food, raw shellfish, salad, or food left out too long.
- Very strong belly pain or bloody diarrhea.
If you see these, food poisoning is likely.
Clues That Point to a Stomach Bug
These signs suggest a stomach bug:
- A family member or friend had a stomach bug recently.
- The sickness spread slowly to people around you.
- Symptoms come with a low fever and last a few days.
- The child at school or daycare is sick, too.
When to Call Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care
You can call us when you are not sure. We offer telemedicine, primary care, urgent care, and emergency care. We can see babies, kids, and adults. If you need help, call 951-272-5900. We offer same-day visits. We can also set up a telemedicine visit if you prefer to stay home.
Come in or call if you see:
- High fever (over 101°F).
- Severe belly pain that gets worse.
- Vomiting that will not stop.
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet diapers, very little urine, very sleepy).
- Bloody stool.
If you have trouble breathing, fainting, or severe weakness, visit the emergency room without delay.
How Medicross Can Help
We can:
- Talk to you by phone or video for quick advice.
- See you the same day at urgent care for an exam.
- Do tests like blood work or stool tests if needed.
- Give wound care if a fall or other injury has happened.
- Prescribe medicine when it is safe and needed.
- Send you to a specialist if needed.
We aim to make care simple and quick. We help people of all ages stay healthy. Our team will listen and explain things in plain language.
Simple Care You Can Do at Home
Most mild cases get better at home. Try this first:
- Rest. Your body needs time to heal.
- Drink fluids slowly. Small sips often work best.
- Use oral rehydration drinks if you can. These help replace salt and sugar.
- Eat small, plain foods when you feel a bit better. Try toast, bananas, rice, or applesauce.
- Avoid strong foods like fried or spicy meals until you feel better.
- Wash your hands well. This stops the virus from spreading.
Do not give medicines for diarrhea to young children unless a doctor tells you to. For adults, ask your care team before taking medicines.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
You can keep your family safe with these simple steps:
- Wash your hands before cooking and before eating.
- Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cook meat and eggs fully.
- Refrigerate leftovers within two hours.
- Throw out food left out too long.
- Use clean water to wash fruits and vegetables.
Teaching kids these habits helps keep everyone healthy.
Warning Signs of Dehydration
Watch for:
- Dry mouth or cracked lips.
- Not peeing for many hours.
- Very sleepy or hard to wake.
- Very fast heartbeat.
If you see these, call us or go to the emergency room.
How Long Does It Last?
- The stomach bug usually lasts 1 to 3 days, but it can last up to a week.
- Food poisoning may last only a few hours or extend for several days, with certain types persisting even longer.
When the symptoms persist over a period of several days, call us. We are able to determine whether you require tests or medication.
What About Babies and Older Adults?
Babies, young children, and older adults can get very sick fast. They can lose fluids quickly. If a baby will not take liquids, has very few wet diapers, or is very sleepy, seek immediate medical assistance. For older adults, even mild symptoms can be risky. If you care for someone older, call us early.
When to Go to the ER
Go to the emergency room right away if you or someone you know has:
- Trouble breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Confusion or fainting
- Very bloody diarrhea
- Signs of severe dehydration
For other bad symptoms, call 951-272-5900. We’re here to help you figure out if you need urgent care or emergency room services.
Final Thoughts
Stomach bug and food poisoning are not necessarily easy to distinguish. Deciding depends on when the symptoms started, who is feeling unwell, and how fast the illness developed. You can call Medicross Clinic and Urgent Care, (951) 272-5900, in case of any confusion. We provide telemedicine and same-day visits. We can test you, give medicine, and refer you to the right care.
FAQs
Q. How long will it last?
A stomach bug is often 1 to 3 days. Food poisoning may persist for several hours or even a few days.
Q. Who gets very sick fast?
Babies, little kids, and older adults can get sick faster. Call us early for them at 951-272-5900.