How to prepare for a video visit about Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Audience: adult

Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is an infection that causes symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. Preparing for a video visit about stomach flu helps you get the most from your telemedicine appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, recent exposures, and medical history to guide care. While many cases improve with rest and fluids, some symptoms need urgent attention. This guide helps you gather important information, recognize warning signs, and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for stomach flu. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool for education and advice but is not a substitute for emergency or in-person care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dehydration signs such as dizziness when standing, very little or no urine output, rapid heartbeat — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blood in vomit or stool — contact healthcare provider or emergency services promptly.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than 2 days or severe abdominal pain — seek urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history related to stomach flu.
• Providing advice on hydration and symptom management.
• Determining if further testing or in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about prevention and home care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require hands-on assessment.
• Administering intravenous fluids or medications.
• Diagnosing serious complications without in-person evaluation.
• Providing emergency care for severe dehydration or bleeding.

What is Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)?

Stomach flu is an infection of the stomach and intestines, often caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. It leads to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes fever. The illness usually lasts a few days and spreads through contaminated food, water, or close contact with infected people.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms and when they started. Note how often you have diarrhea or vomiting, any blood in stool, and if you have a fever. Have a list of current medicines and any allergies ready. Also, be prepared to share recent travel, food eaten, or contact with sick people. Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet for the video call.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and health history. They may guide you to check your temperature or show your throat or abdomen on camera. Based on your answers, they will suggest ways to manage symptoms, when to drink fluids, and if you need tests or in-person care.

When to Seek Immediate Care

If you experience severe dehydration, such as dizziness, very little urine, or rapid heartbeat, seek emergency care. Also, get urgent help if you have bloody diarrhea, high fever, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.

Managing Stomach Flu at Home

Most people recover by resting and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks. Eat bland foods as you feel able. Wash hands often to prevent spreading the infection. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and watch for worsening symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down all symptoms and their start dates.
• Note frequency and details of diarrhea and vomiting.
• Record any fever readings and other symptoms like pain or weakness.
• List current medications, supplements, and allergies.
• Prepare information about recent travel, food intake, or contact with sick individuals.
• Find a quiet, private space with good lighting and internet for the video call.
• Have a thermometer and a way to measure fluid intake ready if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and dietary advice given during the visit.
• Monitor symptoms closely and note any changes or worsening.
• Take any recommended medications as directed.
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent spreading infection.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms appear after the visit.

FAQs

Can stomach flu be treated with antibiotics?

Most stomach flu cases are caused by viruses, so antibiotics are usually not helpful. Antibiotics may be prescribed only if a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected by a healthcare provider.

How long does stomach flu usually last?

Symptoms typically last 1 to 3 days but can sometimes last up to 10 days depending on the cause and individual health.

Is it safe to eat during stomach flu?

It's important to stay hydrated. You can try eating bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce as your appetite returns. Avoid fatty, spicy, or dairy foods until fully recovered.

How can I prevent spreading stomach flu to others?

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating. Avoid sharing utensils, cups, or towels. Stay home until at least 48 hours after symptoms stop.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If you have severe dehydration signs, blood in vomit or stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain, confusion, or cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Sources

1. Gastroenteritis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Norovirus: Clinical Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Gastroenteritis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Acute Gastroenteritis in Adults — National Library of Medicine, NIH.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek emergency or direct medical attention promptly.