Viral gastroenteritis in adults: When to consult a doctor? 

What is viral gastroenteritis?

Viral gastroenteritis in adults: symptoms and causes

• Diarrhoea: Watery stools are a hallmark symptom and can range from mild to severe. 
• Nausea and vomiting: Often accompanied by a feeling of queasiness, which may lead to vomiting. 
• Stomach cramps and pain: Cramping or discomfort in the abdominal area is common. 
• Fever and headache: A mild fever and generalised headache may also occur. 

How long does viral gastroenteritis last?

How do you treat viral gastroenteritis?

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) can help replenish lost electrolytes, particularly in severe cases of diarrhoea or vomiting. 
• Rest: Allowing the body to rest can aid recovery and help reduce the severity of symptoms. 
• Avoid certain foods: Sticking to bland foods, such as bananas, rice, and toast, can ease the digestive process. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy products, and fatty foods, as these can irritate the stomach further. 
• Over-the-counter medications: Anti-diarrhoeal medications, such as loperamide, may help reduce diarrhoea but should be used cautiously and avoided if you have a fever or if the diarrhoea is bloody. Anti-nausea medications can help with severe nausea, but always check with a healthcare provider before use. Paracetamol can help alleviate discomfort and help manage any accompanying fever. 

Is viral gastroenteritis contagious?

• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. 
• Disinfect Surfaces: Clean any areas that may have come into contact with the virus, such as kitchen surfaces, door handles, and bathroom fixtures. 
• Isolate if Necessary: Avoid contact with others until at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. 

When to consult a doctor?

• Severe dehydration: Signs include excessive thirst, very dark urine, dizziness, confusion, or weakness. Severe dehydration may require IV fluids. 
• Prolonged symptoms: Symptoms lasting more than three days, particularly diarrhoea or vomiting, may indicate complications or another underlying condition. 
• High fever: A fever that doesn’t fall below 37.5°C after taking paracetamol, may require evaluation, especially if accompanied by other severe symptoms. 
• Blood in stool or vomit: This can be a sign of more serious conditions, such as bacterial infections, and requires immediate medical attention. 
• Severe abdominal pain: Persistent or severe abdominal pain, particularly if focused in one area, could be indicative of an issue beyond gastroenteritis, such as appendicitis or a gallbladder problem. 

Can telehealth help?

How can Hola’s online doctor help with viral gastroenteritis?

• Instant consult online: Get advice on managing symptoms like nausea, diarrhoea, and dehydration, as well as recommendations for at-home care and dietary adjustments. 
• Doctors certificates: If gastroenteritis requires you to take time off work, Hola’s online doctor service can provide a same-day or multi-day medical certificate for work, university, stress, and caregivers. 
• Online scripts: If medications are required to manage symptoms, such as anti-nausea tablets or rehydration solutions, your online doctor can send prescriptions electronically to your local or online pharmacy. 
• Doctor’s referrals: If you need further testing or specialist input, your online doctor can issue referrals and guide you through the next steps.