This article covers the differences between the seasonal flu and the stomach flu. It discusses symptoms, treatment, and when to call a healthcare provider.
InfluenzaCoughCongestionBody aches and painsFeverExhaustion or fatigueViral GastroenteritisVomitingDiarrheaStomach pain and crampingOccasionally fever
InfluenzaCoughCongestionBody aches and painsFeverExhaustion or fatigue
Cough
Congestion
Body aches and pains
Fever
Exhaustion or fatigue
Viral GastroenteritisVomitingDiarrheaStomach pain and crampingOccasionally fever
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain and cramping
Occasionally fever
Influenza
Symptoms
Influenza comes on suddenly and will make you feel terrible. The symptoms may last anywhere from two to 10 days and make it difficult to comfortably carry out daily tasks.
Themost common influenza symptomsinclude:
Although most symptoms of the flu go away within four to seven days, the cough and tiredness can last for weeks.Most healthy people recover without any serious problems, but some people may develop complications or secondary infections.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Treatment
If you think you might have the flu, especially if you are in ahigh-risk group, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to see if you might benefit fromantiviral medications. If taken within the first 48 hours of the start of your symptoms, they can lessen the severity and shorten the duration of your illness. This means you won’t feel quite as bad for as long as you would have if you hadn’t taken the medication.
The Flu
Gastroenteritis
Stomach flu symptomsoften include:
In general, if an adult is sick with gastrointestinal symptoms, it is not influenza but viralgastroenteritis. However, in children, vomiting and diarrhea may occur with influenza.Stomach flu usually lasts for just a few days, but depends on what is causing it. Norovirus is the most common cause and symptoms typically last one to two days.
Gastroenteritis, although it is miserable, is typically not as serious as influenza and usually resolves on its own. Vomiting usually lasts no longer than24 hours; diarrhea may continue for several days after that.
Stomach Flu
When To Call a Healthcare Provider
Reasons to call a healthcare provider differ for the flu and stomach flu.
If you think you have the flu, call your healthcare provider right away, since antiviral medications will only be prescribed within 48 hours of symptoms.
You should contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience:
If you start feeling better for a few days and then develop worsening symptoms, this is a classic sign that you have developed a secondary infection. You may need different treatments depending on your diagnosis.
With the stomach flu, adults should see a healthcare provider right away with any of these symptoms:
If you are vomiting frequently and unable to keep fluids down, contact your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
—STEFFINI STALOS, DO, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Though commonly confused with one another, the flu and the stomach flu are different viruses and illnesses. Flu symptoms typically last longer than stomach flu symptoms. The flu mostly affects the upper respiratory tract, while the stomach flu causes gastrointestinal problems.
If you suspect you have influenza, see your practitioner immediately for testing and treatment. If you suspect the stomach flu, watch out for signs of dehydration and call your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or linger.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xu J, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Arias E.Mortality in the United States, 2021.NCHS Data Brief. 2022;(456):1-8.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Leading Causes of Death.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms & Complications.Penn Medicine.Flu (Influenza).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Norovirus illness: key facts.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Xu J, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Arias E.Mortality in the United States, 2021.NCHS Data Brief. 2022;(456):1-8.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Leading Causes of Death.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms & Complications.Penn Medicine.Flu (Influenza).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Norovirus illness: key facts.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Xu J, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Arias E.Mortality in the United States, 2021.NCHS Data Brief. 2022;(456):1-8.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Leading Causes of Death.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms & Complications.Penn Medicine.Flu (Influenza).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Norovirus illness: key facts.
Xu J, Murphy SL, Kochanek KD, Arias E.Mortality in the United States, 2021.NCHS Data Brief. 2022;(456):1-8.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Leading Causes of Death.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Flu Symptoms & Complications.
Penn Medicine.Flu (Influenza).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & Causes of Viral Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Norovirus illness: key facts.
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