What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, you will usually receive advice on managing symptoms at home. This often includes guidance on staying hydrated, resting, and eating light foods as you recover. Your healthcare provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines to ease symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. They will also tell you what signs to watch for that might mean you need in-person care. Typically, most people recover within a few days without needing further treatment. However, if symptoms worsen or certain warning signs appear, you should seek immediate medical attention. Telemedicine is a helpful way to get quick medical advice but does not replace in-person exams when serious problems arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Unable to keep any fluids down for 24 hours or more — seek urgent care to prevent dehydration.
• Blood in vomit or stool — get immediate medical attention.
• Severe abdominal pain or persistent high fever — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of symptoms and medical history.
• Providing advice on hydration, diet, and symptom management.
• Determining if urgent in-person care is needed.
• Answering questions about illness duration and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examinations requiring hands-on assessment.
• Administering laboratory tests or imaging studies.
• Treating severe dehydration or complications requiring intravenous therapy.
• Diagnosing other conditions that mimic gastroenteritis without in-person evaluation.

Understanding Your Diagnosis

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is an infection that causes diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. It is usually caused by viruses but can also be due to bacteria or parasites. Your telemedicine provider will explain what might be causing your symptoms and how to care for yourself at home.

Managing Symptoms at Home

Most cases of stomach flu get better on their own. Your provider will likely suggest:

When to Seek In-Person Care

Your provider will tell you which symptoms mean you should get urgent medical help. These may include:

Follow-Up and Monitoring

After your telemedicine visit, monitor your symptoms closely. If you feel worse or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider again. Sometimes, a physical exam or lab tests may be needed to rule out other causes or complications.

Preventing Spread to Others

Gastroenteritis is contagious. To protect others:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms including when they started and their severity.
• Have a record of any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Prepare to describe your fluid intake and ability to keep fluids down.
• Note any recent travel, sick contacts, or outbreaks in your area.
• Be ready to discuss any chronic health conditions or immune system problems.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and diet advice provided during your visit.
• Rest as much as possible and avoid strenuous activities.
• Monitor your symptoms closely and watch for red flags.
• Use over-the-counter medications only as recommended by your provider.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few days.
• Practice good hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others.

FAQs

How long does stomach flu usually last?

Stomach flu symptoms often last from 1 to 3 days but can sometimes continue up to 10 days depending on the cause and your overall health.

Can I take medicine to stop diarrhea?

Over-the-counter medicines may help reduce diarrhea, but they are not always recommended, especially if you have a fever or blood in your stool. Always follow your provider's advice.

Is it safe to eat during stomach flu?

Yes, when you feel ready, start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like toast, rice, bananas, or applesauce. Avoid fatty, spicy, or heavy meals until you recover.

When should I see a doctor in person?

Seek in-person care if you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, have blood in vomit or stool, severe abdominal pain, high fever, or symptoms lasting more than a few days without improvement.

Can stomach flu be prevented?

Good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and disinfecting surfaces can help prevent stomach flu. Vaccines are available for some causes like rotavirus, mainly for children.

Sources

1. Gastroenteritis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Norovirus and Other Viral Gastroenteritis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Gastroenteritis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology — National Library of Medicine.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telemedicine can provide guidance but is not a substitute for in-person care when urgent or complex health issues arise.