Stomach bugs treatment
Stomach bugs can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration, making it essential to get the right medical advice. Our Australian-registered online doctors are available 24/7 to provide expert guidance. Access a telehealth consultation from the comfort of your home, anywhere in Australia, and receive medical support within just 15 minutes.
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When to consult a GP for a stomach bug?
A stomach bug, also known as gastroenteritis, often resolves on its own with rest and hydration. However, in some cases, medical attention is necessary. You should consult a GP or online doctor if you experience:
- Severe or prolonged symptoms: Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 48 hours
- Dehydration signs: Dizziness, dry mouth, reduced urination, or excessive thirst
- High fever: Persistent fever above 38.5°C
- Bloody stool or vomit: Presence of blood may indicate a more serious issue
- Severe abdominal pain: Persistent or worsening pain beyond mild cramping
- Symptoms in high-risk individuals: Babies, young children, older adults, or those with weakened immune systems
Please note: While telehealth can help in managing mild stomach bugs, serious complications require in-person medical care. In emergencies, always call 000 or visit the nearest hospital.
Get an online doctor’s consultation for medical advice on stomach bugs instantly.
Stomach bug treatment options
Telehealth appointment
Speak to an AHPRA-registered online doctor and seek medical advice within 15 minutes. Available 24/7.
From $39
Up to 8 mins consultCovid antivirals
Request access to covid antivirals and speak to a health practitioner regarding your covid-19 symptoms. Available 24/7.
From $59
up to 8 mins consult
Medical certificate online
Get medical certificate online for work, uni, carers or stress, single-day or multi-day. Available 24/7.
From $14.90
For a single day certificateOnline referrals
Request pathology tests, radiology tests, and specialist referrals online. Availability of tests may vary. Available 24/7
From $39
Up to 8 mins consultOnline scripts
Get instant scripts online from licensed medical practitioners in 15 minutes, anytime, anywhere in Australia, 24/7.
From $19.90
for a single scriptBulk billed mental health plan
Fully bulk billed for Medicare card holders. A $63 hold is placed on the credit card & refunded post-consultation.
100% bulk billed
20 mins consult
How telehealth works
Connect with AHPRA-registered online doctors and health practitioners instantly through telehealth services for expert guidance on stomach bugs. Here’s how telehealth can help:
- Round-the-clock access: Consult with a 24/7 online doctor from the comfort of your home.
- Fast telehealth appointments: Speak with a qualified practitioner within 15 minutes.
- Online prescriptions: Request eScripts for stomach bug medications sent via SMS, 24/7.
- Medical certificates: Obtain sick leave certificates, or carer’s certificates within minutes.
- Online referrals: Get referrals for blood tests, pathology, radiology, and specialists without visiting a clinic.
- Mental health care plans: Access bulk-billed mental health assessments with registered practitioners, no matter where you are in Australia.
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About stomach bugs
A stomach bug is medically known as gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It’s most commonly caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, but bacteria, parasites, food poisoning, and certain medications (like antibiotics) can also trigger it.
Common symptoms of a stomach bug:
If you have gastroenteritis, you may experience:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Mild fever
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle aches
These symptoms usually appear within one to two days of exposure and can last anywhere from a few days to a week.
Stomach bugs causes
A stomach bug, or gastroenteritis, is caused by an infection that leads to inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The most common causes include:
- Viral infections: Viruses are the leading cause of stomach bugs, spreading easily through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected individuals. The most common viruses include:
- Norovirus: A highly contagious virus often linked to outbreaks in schools, cruise ships, and nursing homes.
- Rotavirus: Common in young children, causing severe diarrhoea and dehydration.
- Bacterial infections: Certain bacteria can trigger stomach bugs, usually through contaminated food or water. These include:
- Salmonella: Found in undercooked poultry, eggs, and unpasteurised dairy.
- E. coli: Present in contaminated food, especially raw or undercooked meat.
- Campylobacter: Often linked to raw or undercooked poultry.
- Parasites: Though less common, parasites can also cause stomach bugs, mainly through contaminated food or water. Examples include:
- Giardia: A parasite found in untreated water sources.
- Cryptosporidium: Spread through contaminated drinking water and swimming pools.
- Food poisoning: Eating food contaminated with bacteria, toxins, or viruses can lead to gastroenteritis. Improper food handling, storage, or cooking increases the risk.
- Contaminated water: Drinking or encountering unhygienic water sources (such as lakes, rivers, or untreated tap water) can lead to infection.
- Antibiotic use: In some cases, taking certain antibiotics can disrupt the natural gut bacteria, leading to diarrhoea and stomach irritation.
- Person-to-person contact: Stomach bugs are highly contagious, spreading through direct contact with infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or poor hygiene (like not washing hands properly).
Medically reviewed by Dr.Nelson Lau, MBBS FRACGP, GP & Digital Health Specialist.
Frequently asked questions
How is a stomach bug different from food poisoning?
Both conditions cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but stomach bugs (gastroenteritis) are usually caused by viruses, while food poisoning results from consuming contaminated food with bacteria, toxins, or chemicals. Food poisoning often has a sudden onset (within hours), while viral gastroenteritis can take 1-3 days to develop.
Can I consult a doctor online for a stomach bug?
Yes! With telehealth services, you can speak to an online GP to discuss your symptoms, receive medical advice, and get online prescriptions, referrals, and medical certificates if necessary.
To speak to a registered practitioner online:
- Visit Hola Health website or app and click on telehealth consultations and select see a doctor
- Fill in your details and make payment
- Speak to an online health practitioner within 15 minutes
- If warranted, EScripts will be sent via SMS and referrals and medical certificates through email.
How can telehealth help with a stomach bug?
Telehealth provides quick and convenient access to qualified doctors from your home. Through a virtual consultation, you can:
- Receive medical advice and a treatment plan
- Get an online prescription for anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medications
- Request a medical certificate online for sick leave
- Obtain referrals for pathology tests if needed
What treatments are available for a stomach bug?
Treatment focuses on hydration and symptom relief, including:
- Drinking fluids (water, electrolyte drinks, broths)
- Eating bland foods (rice, toast, bananas)
- Taking anti-nausea medication (if prescribed by a doctor)
- Using probiotics to restore gut health
- Getting adequate rest
Can I get a medical certificate for a stomach bug through telehealth?
Yes, if you need time off from work or school, you can request a sick certificate online after a telehealth practitioner’s review. A doctor will assess your condition and issue a medical certificate if warranted.
Can children get a stomach bug?
Yes, children and infants are more vulnerable to stomach bugs, especially rotavirus. Parents should watch for signs of dehydration and seek urgent medical attention if their child has:
- Severe vomiting or diarrhoea
- Sunken eyes or dry mouth
- Lack of tears when crying
- Drowsiness or irritability
How quickly can I see a doctor through telehealth for a stomach bug?
With services like Hola Health, you can book an after-hours doctor consultation and speak with a GP online within 15 minutes. This allows you to receive medical advice, prescriptions, and sick certificates without leaving your home.
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