While food poisoning and a stomach bug can share some of the same symptoms — such as vomiting and diarrhea — they are two separate conditions. Food poisoning is caused by contaminated food, while a stomach bug, which is also referred to as viral gastroenteritis, is caused by a viral infection.

So, if you are wondering which one you have, here are a few differences between the two and some tips on how you can find relief from your symptoms.

How to Identify Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is either contaminated, spoiled or unhygienically prepared. Symptoms of food poisoning include:

• Stomach cramping and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• General malaise and fever
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Thirst

If severe, symptoms can also include:

• Severe abdominal cramping
• Shock
• Bloody vomit or stool
• Loss of consciousness

How to Identify Stomach Virus Symptoms

Typically, a stomach virus is caused by either being around a surface contaminated with or someone who is infected by the virus. Symptoms of a stomach virus include:

• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach cramps, muscle aches or weakness
• Headaches
• Low-grade fever
• Lightheadedness
• Diarrhea

Keep in mind that if someone does have a stomach virus, they are contagious right when they first start experiencing symptoms as well as a few days after they recover.

How to Alleviate Food Poisoning and Stomach Bug Symptoms

Whether you are dealing with food poisoning or a stomach bug, there are a few ways you can manage your symptoms and find relief. Here are a few tips:

• Stay hydrated. If you are losing a lot of fluids, consider sipping on an electrolyte replacement in addition to water.
• Stick to a bland diet when you start eating. Foods like crackers, warm broth or rice are all easy to digest and shouldn’t upset your stomach.
• Avoid foods like sugar, alcohol and caffeine until you are better.
• Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) medications unless your medical professional has prescribed them. Some anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhea medications can make symptoms worse.
• Get enough rest so your body can recover and heal.

Best Food Poisoning and Stomach Bug Treatment: IV Therapy

Here at Rocky Mountain IV Medics, we offer IV treatments to help you alleviate food poisoning or stomach bug symptoms. A member of our team of paramedics will come out to your home, hotel room or office within a 20-mile radius around Denver and provide you with the hydration and nutrients you need to soothe your stomach and rehydrate.

We recommend our Myers’ Cocktail, which contains:

• Saline solution
• Vitamin B complex
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Glutathione
• Zofran (ondansetron), an anti-nausea medication

Schedule IV Therapy Online Today

If you are dealing with food poisoning or stomach bug symptoms, one of our paramedics here at Rocky Mountain IV Medics can come out within the same hour you call. After assessing your symptoms and vital signs, we’ll recommend an IV for your stomach ache or nausea.

If you are ready to receive the rehydration, relief and care you deserve, schedule your in-home IV therapy today.