Salmonella vs. the Flu

Salmonella and the flu have similar symptoms, so they can be confused for each another when an official diagnosis is not made. Going to the doctor is the best way to get a diagnosis of any ailment, including salmonella and the flu.

Identification

• Salmonella is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract after consuming fecal matter or contaminated food. The flu, also known as influenza, is a viral infection that can be transmitted from one person to another.

Effects

• Symptoms of salmonella include vomiting, nausea, fever, stomach pain, chills, muscle pain and headache. Symptoms of the flu include chills, headache, cough, fatigue and muscle aches, plus diarrhea and vomiting in children, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Time Frame

• The flu will typically go away within several days, according to the Mayo Clinic. Salmonella can last four to seven days.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no cure for the flu or salmonella, and most cases go away on their own. Prevention of the flu includes washing hands often and getting flu shots. Salmonella prevention involves cooking food thoroughly and washing hands carefully after using the bathroom.

Expert Insight

• In some cases the patient might not be able to tell whether their disease was salmonella or the flu, according to Dr. Aris Assimacopoulos, an Avera Health infectious-disease specialist in South Dakota.

Treatment

• Symptoms of stomach upset and diarrhea associated with salmonella can be lessened with over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication, according to the Mayo Clinic. Flu symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, rest and liquids.