Stomach flu usually starts 12 to 48 hours after exposure
Food poisoning often starts within a few hours after eating contaminated food
Stomach flu is caused by a virus
Food poisoning is caused by contaminated food or drink
Stomach flu often spreads from person to person
Food poisoning usually affects people who ate the same food
Stomach flu may come with fever, body aches, and fatigue
Food poisoning more often causes sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Stomach flu symptoms often last 1 to 3 days
Food poisoning symptoms may last a few hours to several days
Stomach flu may include respiratory symptoms like cough or runny nose
Food poisoning usually does not include respiratory symptoms
Stomach flu is more likely if others around you are sick
Food poisoning is more likely if symptoms started after a specific meal
Severe symptoms, blood in stool, high fever, or dehydration need medical care