What is the difference between food poisoning symptoms and flu symptoms?
Stomache flu is caused by a virus, food poisioning is caused by bacteria in food that was not handled or stored properly. Most people confuse the two because the symptoms are very similar; nausea vomiting, diarrhea and stomache pain occur with both. Fever and body aches may occur with the flu. Suspect food poisioning when others also get sick who have eaten the same foods with you. Symptoms may begin as early as 1 hour after eating or as late as 48 hours after eating (depending on the amount of bacteria present in the food). The symptoms of food poisioning may last up to 48 hours, but usually are gone within 12 hours. With one severe type of food poisioning (Botulism) there is also blurred or double vision and difficulty swallowing or breathing. This type is often fatal if not treated with antibiotics.
