Is it norovirus?  Each year, around 50 million Americans get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Foodborne diseases, commonly referred to as food poisoning, occur when people eat or drink something contaminated with substances like bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungus, poisons, and toxins produced by ingested organisms. Norovirus is a type of foodborne illness. In fact, it’s the most common cause of foodborne illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the US, according to the CDC. It is highly infectious and is generally spread from person to person or through contact with a contaminated surface.

In general terms, food poisoning comes from eating contaminated food while norovirus, a stomach bug, comes from contact with an infected person. The seriousness of these illnesses makes it important to recognize the symptoms and know what to do if you encounter them. Here’s a closer look at norovirus vs. food poisoning​ to help you understand their differences, take steps to prevent them, and plan therapy if needed.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is commonly referred to as the stomach flu, stomach bug, or winter vomiting bug. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, this illness causes vomiting and diarrhea in 19-21 million people annually in the United States. It leads to:

• 109,000 hospitalizations each year
• 3 million outpatient visits
• 450,000 emergency department visits
• 900 deaths in those aged 65 years and older

Worldwide, norovirus is a major source of gastrointestinal illnesses due to its high contagiousness. It is a leading cause of stomach flu cases in adults, particularly in institutions like schools and nursing homes. Anyone can get norovirus, and it spreads quickly, especially in close quarters.

Norovirus transmission usually occurs as a result of person-to-person contact. It can spread through sharing utensils with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your lips. Contaminated food or water can also cause an infection.

Norovirus symptoms typically range from mild to severe. They may include any of the following:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Muscle pain

What is food poisoning?

Every year, food poisoning claims the lives of 3,000 people and puts 48 million Americans in the hospital, according to the CDC. Although there are over 250 distinct types of food poisoning, the five most common pathogens are norovirus, salmonella, clostridium perfringens, campylobacter, and staphylococcus (staph).

Contamination of other foods with microorganisms from raw or undercooked foods is one of the primary causes of food poisoning, as is directly ingesting raw or undercooked foods (mostly meat, dairy, and sauces). Contamination may start at any point in the food supply chain: from the farm or ranch to the processing plant and finally to the shop. It may also happen at home when food isn’t stored properly or when you use a meal delivery service.

When comparing norovirus and food poisoning​, you’ll see they share many of the same reactions. The most common symptoms of food poisoning are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever

Key differences: Norovirus vs. food poisoning

Now let’s examine the key differences. The first obvious distinction is that norovirus usually spreads through person-to-person transmission, while food poisoning occurs as a result of consuming contaminated food.

Onset time

Given the similarity of the symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish between norovirus and food poisoning​. Time, however, is the defining feature. Symptoms of food poisoning normally appear within six hours of eating a contaminated meal, in contrast to the 12 to 48 hours it takes for a stomach virus to manifest.

Keep in mind that not all food poisoning symptoms appear within six hours. In some cases, symptoms can take weeks to appear, particularly when the poisoning is caused by parasites with a longer incubation period, such as giardia or hepatitis A.

Duration of illness

The duration of sickness is another defining feature that differentiates norovirus from food poisoning​. Food poisoning usually doesn’t last more than a day or a few hours. Stomach illnesses, especially the norovirus, may persist anywhere from one to three days.

Specific symptoms for norovirus and food poisoning

The characteristic gastrointestinal symptom of norovirus, vomiting, is often more severe than other symptoms. Symptoms of food poisoning may range from nausea and vomiting to stomach ache and even fever. Some instances of food poisoning may also include bloody diarrhea or more serious consequences, with the precise symptoms depending on the bacteria or poison involved.

When to seek medical attention

While most cases of norovirus and food poisoning clear up without treatment, some require a trip to the doctor. It is important to get medical attention if you encounter any of the following red flags:

• Severe dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, and infrequent urination.
• Blood in stool. This could indicate a more serious bacterial infection.
• Prolonged symptoms. If symptoms persist for more than a few days or worsen, seek medical attention.

Some individuals are more at risk for severe complications from gastrointestinal illnesses, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions in these cases:

• Young children. Their small bodies are more prone to dehydration.
• Elderly individuals. They may have weaker immune systems and may experience more severe symptoms.
• People with weakened immune systems. Conditions like HIV/AIDS or cancer treatment can make it harder for the body to fight off infections.

Diagnosis process for norovirus and food poisoning

The process of diagnosing norovirus and food poisoning​ is quite similar.

The standard diagnosis process usually involves:

• Taking a look at your symptoms.
• Analyzing your past medical records.

In the event of a community epidemic, testing becomes extremely important for public health. It helps identify infected individuals and determine where any food contamination originated from. Regardless of whether you receive a norovirus or food poisoning​ diagnosis, the treatment will likely be the same.

Prevention tips

Fortunately, there are several precautions you can take to help stop the spread of norovirus and food poisoning outbreaks. Here are some basic prevention methods:

• Hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Disinfect. Regularly clean surfaces such as kitchen counters, doorknobs, and light switches is important.
• Proper food handling. Follow food safety guidelines such as washing hands before and after preparing food and bringing all meats to the recommended cooking temperatures.

To further prevent the formation of dangerous germs, keep your refrigerator temperature at 40°F or below. Refrigerate leftover food no more than two hours after cooking to kill any bacteria. Be careful not to mix raw and cooked foods, particularly while working with raw eggs, shellfish, meat, and poultry, to prevent food poisoning.

When someone in your home is sick with norovirus, it is very important to sanitize frequently touched items, such as phones, remote controls, and doorknobs, to prevent cross-contamination. You can also help limit the spread by washing your laundry properly, particularly your towels, sheets, and any clothes that have come into contact with germs. Finally, stay away from the ill individual as much as possible to reduce the likelihood of spreading the illness.

Expert care in Florida

Food poisoning and norovirus are both gastrointestinal infections that cause a lot of discomfort, but knowing their differences can help manage your symptoms better. The most effective defense against infectious diseases, whether they be bacterial, viral, or toxic, is clean hands and safe eating habits.

Get medical help right away if you or someone you care about is showing signs of norovirus or food poisoning; this is especially true in cases when the patient is very young, elderly, or has a compromised immune system. Should you ever find yourself in need of medical attention due to food poisoning or norovirus, Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health is here to help.

Meet Dr. Moran

Dr. Ryan M. Moran is a family doctor who values personal relationships with his patients and makes an effort to learn about their specific health concerns. By combining innovative thinking with current medical knowledge, he encourages open dialogue and works closely with each patient to get the greatest potential results.

Dr. Moran is a compassionate and knowledgeable specialist in the management of chronic diseases. He is available to help patients through their treatment programs for ailments like diabetes, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. For added peace of mind, he offers regular checkups, including Medicare wellness checks, school checkups, and sports physicals.

Contact Dr. Moran today to schedule an appointment by calling 727-375-1548.