Self-care is important for keeping your spirits up and your body healthy. But even if your self-care routine has gone by the wayside, it’s never too late to start, especially if you come down with the flu. Buzz60


For a four-letter word, "sick" sure does come with a lot of sub-factors when you're seeking a diagnosis. 

Do you have a fever? Experiencing stomach problems and vomiting? These are just a few of a long-list of questions when you're feeling under the weather. 

Two infections that get used interchangeably are the flu and the "stomach flu." There's a difference, and knowing them could help you pinpoint if you have one, the other or neither. 

What's the difference between stomach flu and the flu? 

It's a little deceiving because each illness involves the word "flu". 

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus is sometimes called the stomach flu, food poisoning, or the stomach bug. This is because a norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness. 

It's not the only germ that can cause one, though. 

The stomach flu has nothing to do with the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. 

Stomach flu symptoms 

The CDC lists the following as common norovirus symptoms. 

  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Stomach pain

Flu symptoms 

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

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Stomach flu and flu peak seasons

The stomach flu and flu have peak seasons that overlap. The CDC website says flu season peaks between December and February, but can last throughout May.

Stomach flu outbreaks happen most between November and April. 

Flu, stomach flu treatments 

Antiviral drugs can be used to treat the flu, but it in regards to the stomach flu, there isn't a specific medication that can treat a norovirus illness, but the CDC recommends drinking lots of fluids and staying hydrated. 

Antibiotics wouldn't be able to help because they fight bacteria not viruses. 


More: Flu is now considered widespread in Pennsylvania this season

Follow Jasmine on Twitter @jvaughn411.

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