Difference Between Food Poisoning and Stomach Bug

Key Difference

Food poisoning and stomach bugs (gastroenteritis) are both gastrointestinal disorders that cause similar symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but they are caused by different factors and have distinct characteristics.

Food poisoning is primarily caused by consuming contaminated food or drink with bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. The onset of symptoms is usually rapid, often within hours of consuming the contaminated item.

On the other hand, a stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, is typically caused by an infection from viruses like norovirus or rotavirus, and sometimes bacteria or parasites. It can spread from person to person and has a broader incubation period, varying from one to several days before symptoms appear.

Comparative Analysis

1. Causes:
   • Food Poisoning: Caused by consuming contaminated food or drink.
   • Stomach Bug: Caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.
2. Onset of Symptoms:
   • Food Poisoning: Rapid onset, often within hours.
   • Stomach Bug: Slower onset, symptoms can take days to appear.
3. Common Symptoms:
   • Both: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps.
4. Transmission:
   • Food Poisoning: Through contaminated food or beverages.
   • Stomach Bug: Often spread person to person or through contaminated surfaces.
5. Duration:
   • Food Poisoning: Typically lasts a shorter period, from hours to a few days.
   • Stomach Bug: Can last longer, usually a few days to over a week.

Table Summary of Food Poisoning vs Stomach Bug

Feature	Food Poisoning	Stomach Bug
Causes	Contaminated food/drink	Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections
Onset	Rapid, within hours	Slower, over days
Symptoms	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea	Same as food poisoning
Transmission	Contaminated food/beverages	Person to person, contaminated surfaces
Duration	Hours to a few days	Several days to over a week

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