Food poisoning is caused when food or water that is contaminated with bacteria is consumed. A stomach virus is caused by bacteria that is transferred from the hand to the mouth. Because the symptoms are identical – nausea, cramping, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, headache, body aches, and chills – it is often difficult to know whether it is food poisoning or a stomach virus.
Treatment is the same for both food poisoning and a stomach virus and the only way to really know is to test the blood, stool, and the food that is suspected to have caused the illness. The only time a doctor will run tests is when they suspect food poisoning from dangerous bacteria such as E. coli 0157:H7, Shigella, or Salmonella.
Symptoms of food poisoning will usually appear within 2 to 48 hours after ingesting contaminated food. Food poisoning lasts a day or two but can last longer when it is a severe case.
If you suspect that your child has food poisoning, watch for fever that spikes above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius), vomiting for more than three days, severe abdominal pain or headaches, blood in the stool or in the vomit, or a swollen belly that is hard to the touch. If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment is the same for both food poisoning and a stomach virus and the only way to really know is to test the blood, stool, and the food that is suspected to have caused the illness. The only time a doctor will run tests is when they suspect food poisoning from dangerous bacteria such as E. coli 0157:H7, Shigella, or Salmonella.
Symptoms of food poisoning will usually appear within 2 to 48 hours after ingesting contaminated food. Food poisoning lasts a day or two but can last longer when it is a severe case.
If you suspect that your child has food poisoning, watch for fever that spikes above 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.4 degrees Celsius), vomiting for more than three days, severe abdominal pain or headaches, blood in the stool or in the vomit, or a swollen belly that is hard to the touch. If any of these symptoms are present, seek medical attention immediately.
