Food Poisoning and The stomach Flu: Understanding the Difference
Very often, stomach flu is misinterpreted with food poisoning amidst the fact that in reality, the 2 ailments are completely different and have nothing in common between them. The only factor that gives rise to this ambiguity is the fact that the symptoms of both the ailments are very similar.
The stomach flu and food poisoning are characterized by diarrhea, vomiting and nausea and are induced within 2-48 hours since the entry of the virus/bacteria into the system. While the stomach flu is caused by a stomach virus that causes inflammation of the gut and the stomach walls, food poisoning is induced due to the growth of bacteria in improperly handled food.
Food like meat, poultry, diary products and sauces can attract the bacterial growth with ease if kept at 40 – 140 degree Fahrenheit. As such, when such food is consumed, it gives rise to food poisoning. Stomach flu is induced or transmitted mainly due to untidiness that in turn results in the entry of gastric virus into our system.
How to Differentiate the stomach Flu and Food Poisoning
If individuals who consume the same food develop similar symptoms within 2-48 hour duration since the intake of the food, then they are likely to suffer from food poisoning. After math of food poisoning generally constitutes nausea, vomiting sensation and dehydration.
One type of food poisoning that has proven to be fatal is botulism. This is induced when improperly canned food is consumed. The bacteria tend to grow with improperly canned food items and produce a toxin that is very harmful if consumed. The after effects of consuming such food include double or blurred vision and swallowing/breathing difficulties.
The stomach flu is usually associated with muscle, joint and head aches that is usually not visible in case of food poisoning. Get to know these facts and distinguish between the stomach flu and food poisoning with ease.
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