Both cause vomiting and diarrhea, but the cause and timeline are usually different.
| Feature | Food Poisoning | Gastroenteritis |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Fast — within hours of eating | Slower — 1-3 days after exposure |
| Cause | Contaminated food (bacteria/toxins) | Virus, spreads person-to-person |
| Duration | Usually 1-2 days | Can last 3-7 days |
| Contagious | Generally not | Yes, highly contagious |
Caused by eating food contaminated with bacteria, toxins, or parasites — symptoms typically appear within hours of the meal and resolve relatively quickly once the toxin passes through.
A viral infection of the gut, unrelated to influenza despite the nickname — it spreads between people and tends to last a bit longer, sometimes with a low fever.
Signs of significant dehydration (very little urination, dizziness, dry mouth), blood in vomit or stool, or symptoms lasting beyond a few days need medical attention.
This comparison is for general awareness only and cannot replace a medical diagnosis. Many conditions share overlapping symptoms — a doctor can examine and test to tell them apart accurately.