How to distinguish between stomach flu or food poisoning?

Doctor's Answers 1

Photo of Dr Wai Leong Quan
Dr Wai Leong Quan

Gastroenterologist

Both gastric flu can and food poisoning may present with similar symptoms and difficult to differentiate although the former tends to present more with fever, nausea and vomiting while the latter is associated with ingestion of contaminated food that cause cramps and diarrhoea most times.

As far as treatment is concerned, adequate hydration is the most important aspect besides controlling symptoms. In some cases, a course of antibiotics may be required for suspected bacteria infection especially if the fever is associated with blood stain stools.

Avoiding diary products and taking smaller portions each meal may help. Consider drinking fruit juices to replenish the electrolytes in your system. If your condition is not getting any better after 2-3 days, consider seeing your GP for an assessment.

-Dr Quan

Similar Questions

What are the symptoms of myocarditis?

It could be - the symptoms of myocarditis are usually breathlessness on exertion, fatigue, palpitations or sometimes a sensation of pressure in the chest. There are many viruses that cause it, but respiratory viruses are often the cause. Other causes can be: Auto-immune Environmental toxins or Following chemotherapy Myocarditis usually presents with symptoms about 7 to 14 days after upper respiratory illness. Investigations such as ECG, CXR and echocardiogram would help. Occasionally, we may need a MRI scan of the heart.

Photo of Dr Nandakumar Ramasami

Answered By

Dr Nandakumar Ramasami

Cardiologist

Should I get checked for C. Difficile if I have a stomachache, cramps and hard stools after an antibiotics course?

Based on your story alone, it's very unlikely that you have C. Diff, nor do you need to worry about getting tested for it, especially because (I presume) that you are fairly young. C. Diff causes really smelly diarrhoea, and usually happens in the hospitalised elderly after a prolonged cause of strong antibiotics. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t worry at all about getting tested for C. Diff. However if the cramps and hard stools continue bothering you, do see your GP who can perform a proper examination, and prescribe some symptomatic oral medication.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox