Welcome to Food Poisoning Season: Dr. Steve on the Holiday Germ Buffet

Was it food poisoning or the stomach flu? Infectious-disease expert Dr. Steve Threlkeld returns to Oh Gross! to unpack the real difference and why the “last thing you ate” isn’t always the culprit. We dig into the invisible fecal veneer, Dr. Steve’s unforgettable “painting the room” visualization, and a new favorite phrase you’ll hear in this convo: deer veneer. Gross? Yep. Useful? Totally. Food poisoning vs. stomach flu: Timing, symptoms, incubation windows—how to actually tell them apart. Common culprits & settings: Undercooked poultry, lukewarm buffets, sketchy prep zones, dicey leftovers. Doctor’s advice: What to eat/drink, what to avoid, red-flag symptoms, and when to call a pro. Kitchen hygiene upgrades: Smarter cutting board habits, fridge temps, cooling/reheating, and storage timelines. Packed with real-world food safety tips, myth-busting, and a few “you’ll never unhear this” moments, this one might save your next potluck. Follow Oh Gross! on Spotify, Apple Podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices