How can you tell the difference between the flu and norovirus?

The flu and norovirus are both illnesses that can cause discomfort and inconvenience, but they are not the same thing. Here’s how you can tell the difference between them.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. The symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting, especially in children. Most people with the flu recover within a few days to less than two weeks, but some people can develop complications like pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

On the other hand, norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States. The symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus and most people get better within 1 to 3 days.

While both the flu and norovirus can result in similar symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, there are key differences. The flu is a respiratory illness and its primary symptoms are cough, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose. Norovirus, however, is a stomach and intestine infection, and its primary symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Another difference is how the viruses spread. Both the flu and norovirus are contagious, but they spread in different ways. The flu spreads mainly by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. A person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways. You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of poop or vomit from an infected person in your mouth. This can happen if you eat food or drink liquids that are contaminated with norovirus, touch surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus then put your fingers in your mouth, or have contact with someone who is infected with norovirus.

In conclusion, while the flu and norovirus can both make you feel miserable, they are caused by different viruses, have different primary symptoms, and spread in different ways. If you’re feeling ill and are unsure whether you have the flu or norovirus, it’s best to seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can make a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.