Is it food poisoning or stomach flu?
During the acute phase of a food poisoning episode, the symptoms—nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and diarrhea—may look and feel very much like the symptoms of stomach flu. Although the causes are significantly different, both the symptoms and the progress of the disease are similar: intense discomfort for 24-72 hours as the body attempts to rid itself of the unwelcome organism or toxins, followed by a period of recuperation. The care for the two illnesses is much the same as well: replacement of fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea, and bed rest.
During the acute phase the victim may be too sick and uncomfortable to be very interested in a differential diagnosis. During an episode of food poisoning, the immediate concern should be the victim’s safety. If the victim is a young child, an elderly person, or anyone with a chronic illness or a compromised immune system, you should err on the side of caution, and consult your health care provider about the symptoms, the duration of the illness, and the possible risks.
If after the episode you and your healthcare provider determine that the symptoms were in fact caused by food poisoning, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering related to your illness. You will want to think through where you or your loved one ate contaminated food, and consult with an experienced food poisoning attorney, to determine whether you have an actionable case.
During the acute phase the victim may be too sick and uncomfortable to be very interested in a differential diagnosis. During an episode of food poisoning, the immediate concern should be the victim’s safety. If the victim is a young child, an elderly person, or anyone with a chronic illness or a compromised immune system, you should err on the side of caution, and consult your health care provider about the symptoms, the duration of the illness, and the possible risks.
If after the episode you and your healthcare provider determine that the symptoms were in fact caused by food poisoning, you may be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering related to your illness. You will want to think through where you or your loved one ate contaminated food, and consult with an experienced food poisoning attorney, to determine whether you have an actionable case.
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