Quick answer: Food poisoning often starts within hours of eating contaminated food and may affect several people who ate the same thing. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis, often norovirus) usually starts 12 to 48 hours after exposure and spreads person to person. Both cause vomiting, diarrhea and cramps, and both usually improve in 1 to 3 days. Get care for signs of dehydration, bloody diarrhea, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days.
When your stomach is in revolt, the cause matters less than staying hydrated. But knowing the difference helps you protect others and know when to get help.
New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.
Key differences
| Food poisoning | Stomach flu | |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Bacteria, viruses or toxins in food | Viruses, often norovirus |
| Onset | Often within 1 to 8 hours of eating | Usually 12 to 48 hours after exposure |
| Who gets sick | People who ate the same food | Spreads through households, schools and offices |
| Typical length | Often 1 to 2 days | Often 1 to 3 days |
Home care
- Sip fluids often, such as an oral rehydration solution
- Rest and return to bland foods as you can
- Wash hands well with soap and water. Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill norovirus well.
- Don’t prepare food for others until 2 days after symptoms end
When to get care
- Signs of dehydration, like dizziness or very little urine
- Vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids
- Fever of 102°F or higher
- Bloody diarrhea
- Symptoms lasting more than 2 to 3 days
- Pregnancy, older age or a weak immune system
PACS offers food poisoning treatment with IV fluids and anti-nausea medicine. For severe belly pain, read when stomach pain could be appendicitis.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need antibiotics for food poisoning?
Usually not. Most cases clear on their own. Some bacterial infections may need treatment.
Can I go to work with stomach flu?
Stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop, especially if you handle food or care for others.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.
