Is it "the flu" or something you ate?
Food poisoning sickens millions of consumers per year according to latest government statistics. Sometimes it's not always easy to tell the difference between foodborne illness and influenza, especially since both show similar symptoms.
Influenza, commonly called "the flu," is caused by a virus that infects the respiratory tract. Foodborne disease, referred to as food poisoning, is carried or transmitted to humans by food containing harmful substances.
Symptom |
"The Flu" |
Food Poisoning |
|---|---|---|
| Body aches and pains | Common: headache and muscle aches | Common: headache, backache and stomach cramps |
| Fatigue | Common (often extreme) | Common (often extreme) |
| Fever | Common | Common |
| Gastrointestinal | Rarely prominent* | Common (often severe) |
| Gastrointestinal: Nausea | Rarely prominent* | Common |
| Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea | Rarely prominent* | Common |
| Respiratory: Chest discomfort, cough | Common (often extreme, can become severe) | Rare |
| Respiratory: Nasal congestion, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose | Common | Rare |
| Prevent or Lessen Risk | Annual Vaccination | Proper Food Handling |
*Although nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can sometimes accompany influenza infection, especially in children, gastrointestinal symptoms are rarely prominent.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
IF YOU THINK YOU ARE ILL, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE A FEVER, SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
