Stomach Bugs: Symptoms and Treatment | updoc

Full disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. You should also always see a Practitioner about any health needs. Should you be in a sticky situation, you should always seek out advice from a legal or health professional, depending on your needs.

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Have you ever felt like you've been hit by a truck, but instead of being struck by a vehicle, you've been struck by a stomach bug? If so, you're not alone. Stomach bugs, also known as gastroenteritis, are a common affliction that can strike anyone at any time.

‍What exactly is a stomach bug?

Simply put, it's a viral or bacterial infection that attacks your digestive system, causing a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. The most common symptoms of a stomach bug include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. In severe cases, you may also experience dehydration, loss of appetite, and muscle aches.

How do you catch a stomach bug?

So how do you get a stomach bug? Well, it's actually quite easy. All it takes is for you to come into contact with contaminated food or water, or to touch something that's been contaminated by someone else's feces (gross, I know). This is why it's so important to wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom or handling raw meat.

How do you treat a stomach bug?

But fear not, my fellow stomach bug sufferers! There are ways to treat this pesky affliction. The first and most important thing you can do is to stay hydrated. This means drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, sports drinks, and electrolyte solutions. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, as these can actually worsen your dehydration.

It's also important to get plenty of rest and take it easy while your body fights off the infection. And if you're feeling up to it, try to eat small, bland meals that are easy on your stomach, such as crackers, rice, and toast. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, as these can further irritate your digestive system.

In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to help control your symptoms. This can include anti-nausea medication, antibiotics (if the cause of your stomach bug is bacterial), and medications to help firm up your stool.

Now, I know what you may be thinking: "But wait, isn't there a magical cure for stomach bugs? Some secret remedy that will make all my misery disappear in an instant?" Sorry to disappoint, but unfortunately, there is no magic cure for stomach bugs. The best course of action is to let the infection run its course and to treat your symptoms as they arise.

So there you have it, folks. A stomach bug is a pesky, yet common, infection that can cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. The best way to treat it is to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat small, bland meals. And remember, wash your hands frequently to help prevent the spread of these pesky bugs. Happy stomach bug season!

Can getting rest fix my stomach bug?

It’s easy to get an assessment from a Partner Doctor who, if suitable, can provide you a medical certificate for a day from work when you have a stomach bug through updoc.

Being an Aussie owned & run company, updoc understands the importance of helping our fellow Aussies out in times of need. 

We also understand what it’s like to be in the queue at a doctor’s office just to get a note to confirm things you already knew about your health, just so you can get paid on what should be your day off. Being able to speak with real Partner Practitioners online who, if suitable, can provide medical certificates, helps Australians get the rest they need when they need it so they can get back on their feet and back to contributing in no time.

If you need to speak with a Partner Practitioner who, if suitable, can provide an online medical certificate, it’s a simple process through updoc:

📱 Head here

📝 Fill in a short form — it asks for key details about your issue

👨⚕️ Consult with your own Partner Doctor — they’ll take the medical information you provide and assess your needs within 24-48 hours

📥 If they find it to be suitable, your Partner Doctor will issue you a medical certificate to your inbox — you’ll receive an SMS and an e-mail with your medical certificate ready to download

It’s important to note that the independent Partner Doctor will read your health notes and make an informed decision on whether to provide you with a medical certificate or not. The Practitioner does not work for us, and we’ve created updoc to facilitate a convenient, ongoing connection with them.