WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

Stomach flu and food poisoning

Stomach flu is caused by a virus that infects the gastrointestinal tract, producing symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, muscle aches and headache.

Symptoms emerge one to two days after exposure to the virus and usually last for 1-2 days. Coming into contact with an infected person, or anything they touched, should be avoided.

Food poisoning It’s caused by already formed toxins in contaminated food and comes with symptoms such as abdominal pain, which can be quite severe, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting, fever and fatigue.

Symptoms will show up within hours of eating, and the illness lasts from 1-10 days.

Food poisoning will clear up itself but rarely may need antibiotics. Hands, cooking surfaces and utensils should be kept clean. Food should be cooked safely and thoroughly.