Diarrhoea & Vomiting Doctor Online | Gastro Treatment

Diarrhoea & Vomiting? —
See a Doctor From Home

Gastro is the worst time to sit in a waiting room. Have a video consultation with an HPCSA-registered GP, get advice on rehydration and medication, and a sick note if you can't work.

From R250 · Medical aid accepted · Evenings, Sundays & public holidays

About gastro

What causes diarrhoea and vomiting?

Sudden diarrhoea and vomiting is most often caused by gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. It is usually viral, such as norovirus or rotavirus, and spreads easily through households, schools and offices. Food poisoning causes similar symptoms, often within hours of eating contaminated food.

Other symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, a mild fever, headaches and aching muscles. Most people recover within a few days. The main risk, especially for young children and older adults, is dehydration.

How a VDOC doctor can help

Assess how dehydrated you are and whether you can recover safely at home
Advise on rehydration and what to eat as you recover
Prescribe medicine for nausea or cramps if appropriate
Decide whether you need a stool test or antibiotics
Issue a sick note for work

When to go to an emergency unit

⚠️ Get in-person care urgently if you or the person you care for has:

Signs of dehydration: very little or no urine, dizziness when standing, a very dry mouth, or confusion
Vomiting so often that you can't keep any fluids down
Blood in the vomit or stool, or black, tarry stools
Severe or constant tummy pain
A high fever, or symptoms after recent travel abroad
A baby or young child who is drowsy, floppy, has no wet nappies for 6 hours or more, or has sunken eyes

Call 10111 or 112 in an emergency.

See a doctor in 3 steps

Book a GP

Choose a time online or on WhatsApp, including early mornings, evenings and weekends.

Video consult

The doctor asks when it started, how often you're going, what you've eaten, and checks for warning signs.

Treatment plan

Get rehydration advice, a prescription if appropriate, and a sick note if needed.

Recovering from gastro at home

Rehydrate: take small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy. If you are vomiting, try a sip every few minutes.

Eat when you can: plain foods like rice, toast, bananas and soup are easiest to start with.

Be careful with anti-diarrhoea medicine: don't use it if you have a fever or blood in your stool, and don't give it to children unless a doctor advises it.

Stop the spread: wash your hands with soap after using the toilet and before handling food, and don't prepare food for others until 48 hours after your symptoms stop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I see a doctor online for diarrhoea and vomiting?

Yes. Most cases of gastro can be assessed by video. The doctor asks about your symptoms, checks for signs of dehydration and other warning signs, and recommends treatment. They can also issue a prescription or sick note if appropriate.

How long does gastro last?

Vomiting usually settles within a day or two, and diarrhoea within about five to seven days. See a doctor if diarrhoea lasts longer than a week, or sooner if you notice warning signs such as blood in your stool or signs of dehydration.

Do I need antibiotics for diarrhoea?

Usually not. Most gastro is caused by viruses and gets better on its own. Antibiotics are only needed for certain bacterial or parasitic infections, and the doctor may request a stool test before prescribing them.

What should I drink when I have gastro?

Small, frequent sips of oral rehydration solution are best, because they replace both water and salts. Rehydration sachets are available at pharmacies. Avoid alcohol, and limit very sugary drinks and coffee, which can make diarrhoea worse.

Can I get a sick note for gastro?

Yes. If the doctor finds you unfit for work, they can issue a medical certificate. Food handlers, health workers and people working with young children may need to stay off work for 48 hours after symptoms stop. The doctor can advise.

My child has diarrhoea and vomiting. Can VDOC help?

Yes. A parent or guardian books the consult and joins the call with the child. Babies and young children dehydrate quickly, so go to an emergency unit straight away if your child is very drowsy, has no wet nappies for 6 hours or more, has sunken eyes or cannot keep any fluids down.