Signs of stomach flu usually start 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Most people recover from food poisoning in 12 to 24 hours. Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch. Not only are the organisms that cause food poisoning and stomach flu different but so are some of the ways they are spread. Shigella vs. Norovirus: What's the Difference Between These 'Stomach Bugs'? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Often, sun poisoning results in painful, red, blistery skin and even flu-like symptoms. The stomach flu is usually caused by norovirus. Most are due to dehydration and electrolyte loss, though the bodys inflammatory response or thermoregulation problems may play a role. See a healthcare provider if you have a weak immune system, are pregnant or elderly, or you have severe or lingering symptoms. Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Sunburn and sun poisoning are heat and light injuries. WebSymptoms of sun poisoning can be flu-like in nature and include: Nausea, chills, and fever Dehydration Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or confused An itchy red rash Pain, tingling, or swelling of the skin Headache Important: Sun poisoning symptoms differ from a sunburn where your skin becomes red, painful, and warm to the touch. Chills. Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Overview Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. Polymorphous light eruption on the chest A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. A sun rash can occur due to a genetic condition or the use of a certain medication. Some of the symptoms of food poisoning are the same as symptoms of norovirus, so it can be difficult to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. Food poisoning and the stomach flu can come with similar symptoms, like nausea and vomiting, but theyre different conditions. Basically, if your sunburn symptoms are more than just skin-deep, you may have crossed over from sunburn to sun poisoning. WebSymptoms of sun poisoning can be flu-like in nature and include: Nausea, chills, and fever Dehydration Feeling dizzy, light-headed, or confused An itchy red rash Pain, tingling, or swelling of the skin Headache Important: Sun poisoning symptoms differ from a sunburn where your skin becomes red, painful, and warm to the touch. However, in more severe cases, you may develop sun poisoning. This is explained by how both diseases work: With food poisoning, symptoms are caused by the release of enterotoxins by bacteria found in contaminated foods. If you have a severe sun allergy, your health care provider may suggest gradually getting your skin used to sunlight each year as the daylight hours get longer. Whether food poisoning is contagious depends on the type of bacteria, virus or parasite that caused it, according to Healthline. Identifying the cause can help you find treatment. Norovirus and food poisoning are typically caused by two different thingsone by a virus and the other by bacteriaand differ in how they are treated. With sun poisoning, you may first experience symptoms of a regular sunburn. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. In phototherapy, a special lamp is People with stomach flu may take longer with symptoms sometimes persisting for more than a week. Polymorphous light eruption on the chest The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies. "If a sunburn has left you with systemic symptomsfever, nausea, fatiguethis can be an indication of sun poisoning," explains Chicago dermatologist Jordan Carqueville, M.D. Dizziness. Phototherapy. Complications Outlook FAQ Summary Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Dizziness. Sometimes, it can also cause blisters to form on your lips. Sun poisoning vs. sunburn symptoms Sun poisoning describes the body-wide symptoms of severe sunburn. Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break. If you have sunburn or a skin reaction after only a short time in the sun, your health care provider might suggest phototesting. Shortness of breath. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin. Keep your refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most are due to dehydration and electrolyte loss, though the bodys inflammatory response or thermoregulation problems may play a role. With norovirus, the route of transmission is broader because the virus tends to be harder to neutralize on surfaces than foodborne bacteria. Food poisoning is caused by eating something that is contaminated with germs, also known as a foodborne illness. Fever and other flu-like symptoms. Dizziness. What are the symptoms of sun poisoning? Burden of foodborne illness: findings. When you have sun poisoning, youre not actually poisoned by UV (ultraviolet) rays. Dehydration. It can be hard to tell the difference between norovirus (the most common cause of stomach flu) and food poisoning because both cause nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Most are due to dehydration and electrolyte loss, though the bodys inflammatory response or thermoregulation problems may play a role. The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies. Complications Outlook FAQ Summary Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. Sunburn and sun poisoning symptoms usually start within a few hours of excess sun exposure. Overview Symptoms Causes Risk factors Overview Polymorphous light eruption is a rash caused by sun exposure in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight. Sun poisoning symptoms include: Blistering Headache Fever Dizziness Confusion Nausea Vomiting Rapid pulse and breathing Feeling faint Wash laundry thoroughly, including towels and bedding. Small, fluid-filled blisters, which may break. Headache, fever, nausea and fatigue, if the sunburn is severe. Nausea. Some people develop skin rashes called photodermatosis when they are exposed to intense sunlight. This usually involves bacteria like E. coli (Escherichia coli), Staphylococcus aureus, or Salmonella, but there are viruses or parasites that can also cause food poisoning. Pain, tenderness and itching. Can sun poisoning make you sick? There are times when you need more than home-based care if you have food poisoning or stomach flu. And, if sun poisoning is very severe, you can even develop confusion and dizziness. Sun poisoning is a more extreme form of sunburn that can cause other bodily reactions in addition to burns or skin damage. Dehydration. Fainting. Confusion. The malaria medication hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may ease the symptoms of some types of sun allergies. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. This is explained by how both diseases work: With food poisoning, symptoms are caused by the release of enterotoxins by bacteria found in contaminated foods. Signs and symptoms may include: Itchiness (pruritus) Stinging Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches A flushing of the exposed area Blisters or hives Symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun or other source of UV light. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, food poisoning symptoms usually don't last as long as the stomach bug. Sun poisoning has severe sunburn symptoms, plus others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basically, if your sunburn symptoms are more than just skin-deep, you may have crossed over from sunburn to sun poisoning. This is explained by how both diseases work: With food poisoning, symptoms are caused by the release of enterotoxins by bacteria found in contaminated foods. Symptoms & causes of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"). 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Because the modes of transmission are different, there are different precautions you may need to take to avoid getting or spreading these diseases. With sun poisoning, you may first experience symptoms of a regular sunburn. Sometimes, it can also cause blisters to form on your lips. Generally speaking, antibiotics (used for bacterial infections) and antivirals (used for viral infections) are of little help once symptoms start. Nausea. The answer is a complicated one. The skin may be red or swollen, as well. When to Here are some of the symptoms of sun poisoning: Blistering of the skin that eventually peels. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking. Am Fam Physician. In phototherapy, a special lamp is Nausea. Nausea and Diarrhea: Causes and Treatments, Symptoms of Infectious Colitis and How to Treat It, 7 Remarkably Common Viral Infections Explained, Vomiting and Diarrhea: Causes and Treatments, Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu), Diagnosis and management of foodborne illness, Symptoms & causes of viral gastroenteritis ("stomach flu"), Person-to-person contact with an infected person, Anyone with persistent or severe symptoms. Fainting. If you develop either condition, watch for signs of dehydration. The skin may be red or swollen, as well. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin. Sunburn symptoms include redness, warmth, pain, and swelling. Symptoms show up within minutes to hours after sun exposure. Sunburn symptoms can include: Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin. The contamination can occur anywhere from the farm or ranch to the processing facility to the store or delivery service to the home. However, in more severe cases, you may develop sun poisoning. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wash your hands and work surfaces before, during, and after preparing food. Dizziness. Key facts about food poisoning. By Cristina Mutchler The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms. The biggest difference between food poisoning and norovirus is when symptoms begin. Pain, tenderness and itching. Diagnosing sunburn generally includes a physical exam. WebNo. When you have sun poisoning, youre not actually poisoned by UV (ultraviolet) rays. Although people refer to a severe sunburn as "sun poisoning," there's no such thing. Diagnosing sunburn generally includes a physical exam. Sunburn and sun poisoning are heat and light injuries. Diagnosis and management of foodborne illness. Sunburn symptoms can include: Inflamed skin, which looks pink or red on white skin and may be harder to see on brown or Black skin. Dizziness. Burden of norovirus illness in the U.S. Switaj TL, Winter KJ, Christensen SR. Phototherapy. With food poisoning, symptoms tend to develop sooner, usually within a few hours. Swelling. WebNo. Diagnosis. Combined, they are responsible for tens of thousands of emergency room visits and hospitalizations annually. 2015;92(5):358-365. Complications Outlook FAQ Summary Exposure to the sun can cause sunburn. In phototherapy, a special lamp is Here are some of the symptoms of sun poisoning: Blistering of the skin that eventually peels. Fainting. Can sun poisoning make you sick? Skin that feels warm or hot to the touch. Diagnosis. The rash may appear as small blisters and cause an itching or burning feeling, among other symptoms. With that said, the differentiation may be essential for those who are at high risk of complications, Including: The treatment of food poisoning and the stomach flu are similar. Sun poisoning, then, is related to sunburn but not necessarily identical. Norovirus. The rash usually appears as tiny, inflamed bumps or slightly raised patches of skin. Cristina Mutchler is an award-winning journalist with more than a decade of experience in national media, specializing in health and wellness content. Dehydration. Food poisoning causes symptoms sooner than the stomach bug. Signs and symptoms may include: Itchiness (pruritus) Stinging Tiny bumps that may merge into raised patches A flushing of the exposed area Blisters or hives Symptoms usually occur only on skin that has been exposed to the sun or other source of UV light. The diagnosis of food poisoning and norovirus is more or less the same, and many of the tools used for the diagnosis (such as stool cultures) check for both bacterial and viral causes.