Gastro

The mild form of gastro will resolve itself with ample rest, proper diet and copious intake of fluids. But for more severe gastro, it is important to see a doctor for gastroenteritis to treat the disease at the onset of the symptoms and to ensure it does not spread to other people living around you. Consult a doctor for gastro if:

• Severe symptoms: If vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a few days, or if symptoms suddenly worsen.
• Dehydration: Symptoms like dry mouth, excessive thirst, dark or reduced amount of urine, dizziness, weakness, or confusion.
• High fever: A fever over 38.9°C (102°F) that doesn’t improve, especially if accompanied by chills or body aches.
• Severe abdominal pain: Intense stomach pain that’s constant or worsening.
• Blood in vomit or stool: Blood may appear bright red or dark red, indicating possible bleeding.
• Recent travel: If symptoms begin after traveling, especially to regions with poor sanitation, this could indicate a parasitic or serious bacterial infection.
• High-risk group: Infants, elderly individuals, or those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to complications and should seek help early on.

Please note: Gastro can be managed through home remedies, medications or via telehealth. For severe symptoms, dial 000 or visit the nearest hospital.

Some of the common causes of gastro are:

• Viral infections: This is the most common cause, with viruses like norovirus and rotavirus being typical culprits. Viral gastroenteritis spreads easily.
• Bacterial infections: Bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter can also cause gastro. Food poisoning from improperly cooked or contaminated foods is a common source.
• Parasitic infections: Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can lead to gastroenteritis, often from drinking contaminated water.
• Food intolerance: Some people may experience gastro-like symptoms if they consume foods, they’re intolerant to, such as lactose or gluten
• Medications: Certain medications, particularly antibiotics, can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the gut.

Gastro symptoms can vary from person to person and in severity. Usually these are the symptoms that are affecting the digestive system in some way such as:

• Diarrhoea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Acid reflux
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Fever if it’s viral or bacterial
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches or body aches.

Telehealth for gastro management allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, offering convenience and flexibility. Get easy consultations with licensed online doctors in Australia within 15 minutes once you choose the consultation type, complete an online form and payment. Telehealth allows getting your gastro prescriptions or online specialist referrals easily. Here are some benefits of telehealth:

• 24/7 access: Get instant access to registered medical practitioners round-the-clock
• Flexibility: Speak to a doctor in your break or from the comfort of your home
• Medication management: Never miss a dose of medicine with instant scripts for gastro
• Other telehealth services: Get your blood test referrals, specialist referrals, pharmacy delivery and medical certificate online for gastro.

Preventing gastroenteritis requires maintaining good hygiene practices such as washing hands frequently, ensuring food safety from contamination, drinking clean water and staying home when sick. Understanding gastroenteritis and mitigating its causes will help in controlling the disease.

Here are some home remedies for gastro that will help manage the illness.

• Stay hydrated with oral rehydration, coconut water and diluted fruit juices
• Eliminate gas-producing foods
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, spices and excessively fatty foods
• Regulate your stress
• Use some over-the-counter relief

Yes, an online doctor can help diagnose your condition when the GP near you is unavailable. During a telehealth appointment, you can discuss your symptoms, ask for medical advice and seek instant scripts or medical certificates online. No need to even search for ‘doctors near me’ and travel all the way to the clinic when suffering from gastro, you can speak to a licensed doctor from the comfort of your home within 15 minutes, 24/7.

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning share similar symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps, making them easy to confuse. However, the two conditions have distinct differences. Gastroenteritis is generally caused by viral infections like norovirus or rotavirus and spreads through contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, with symptoms appearing within 1–3 days after exposure. Food poisoning, on the other hand, typically results from consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria (such as Salmonella or E. coli), parasites, or toxins, and symptoms often develop quickly, usually within hours.

Yes, you can get a medical certificate online for gastro treatment from AHPRA-registered medical practitioners within 15 minutes. An online doctor will review your condition and issue a sick note if you are unable to attend work, school/university due to gastro.

Yes, you can get an online prescription for gastro if the virtual doctor assessing you deems it necessary. Online scripts are available 24/7 making it convenient and easy for patients to access them after-hours, during weekends and holidays. After a short telehealth consultation with a licensed medical practitioner, your instant scripts will be sent through an SMS, if warranted. These eScripts can be dispensed at a pharmacy nearby or uploaded to a pharmacy online for medicine delivery.

We provide a fast and convenient way for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your phone or any smart device. Using our secure telehealth platform, you can have a video call with a registered health practitioner or a doctor on-demand in 15 minutes or less. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know mental health conditions, illness and injury can happen anytime, day or night, and need immediate medical attention.

Much like an in-person GP clinic, our telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:

• pre-existing conditions, family history and lifestyle.
• preferred treatment options and how to access them.
• individualised advice to manage your condition.
• referrals or scripts for various conditions (if required) at the discretion of the doctor.

Telehealth helps you connect with an AHPRA-licensed online doctor within minutes. Hola Health provides 24/7 access to qualified medical practitioners in Australia within 15 minutes for:

• Telehealth appointment
• Instant scripts
• Medical certificate
• Doctor referral