Vomiting and diarrhoea can occur with infections, food-related illness, medicine side effects and other conditions. A doctor will ask about the pattern, severity, exposures and your ability to drink.
Video assessment may help with some mild or moderate symptoms, but it cannot examine your abdomen, measure hydration or provide intravenous fluids.
Prepare for the video consultation
- Write down the approximate number of episodes and the time of the most recent one.
- Record a temperature if you can do so safely.
- List regular medicines and any medicine already taken for these symptoms.
- Tell the doctor early if the patient is a child, older adult, pregnant or has a long-term condition.
Registration does not establish that teleconsultation is suitable. The doctor may change the care route after hearing your history.
New to video visits? Read our first teleconsultation guide and check consultation, medication and delivery fees before joining.
What a video consultation can—and cannot—do
A GP can take a history, observe your general condition and discuss whether your symptoms can be managed outside a clinic. They may advise on hydration, medicines, monitoring or an in-person assessment based on your individual situation.
A teleconsultation cannot check the abdomen by touch, run blood or stool tests, or treat significant dehydration. If you cannot keep fluids down or the doctor is concerned about the cause or severity, you may need physical care.
When in-person assessment may be needed
Arrange prompt medical advice when any of these apply. This is not an exhaustive triage list.
- Vomiting affects your ability to eat or drink
- Symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by fever or stomach pain
- There is blood or mucus in the stool, or black and sticky stool
- You recently travelled and developed significant diarrhoea
- The patient is at higher risk because of age, pregnancy or a long-term condition
When to seek urgent or emergency care
- Severe stomach pain or a rigid, very tender abdomen
- A large amount of blood in stool or vomit
- Severe dehydration with fainting, confusion, marked weakness or very little urine
- Loss of consciousness or another sign of a life-threatening emergency
Seek urgent in-person help for severe symptoms. Call 995 if the situation is life-threatening.
Common questions
Is stomach flu the same as influenza?
No. “Stomach flu” is a common name for gastroenteritis affecting the digestive system. Influenza is a respiratory infection. A doctor can help assess the symptoms without relying on the label.
Can an online doctor check whether I am dehydrated?
The doctor can ask about thirst, dizziness, urine and fluid intake and observe you over video, but some assessments and treatment for dehydration require in-person care.
Should I join the online queue if I cannot keep water down?
Inability to keep fluids down can lead to dehydration and may require physical assessment or treatment. Seek prompt medical advice; use urgent or emergency care if symptoms are severe.
Sources & editorial note
- HealthHub / Ministry of Health: Using telemedicine the safe way
- HealthHub: Diarrhoea
- SingHealth GPFirst: Diarrhoea and Vomiting
- Singapore Civil Defence Force: Emergency Medical Services
Sources checked on 26 September 2026. This original guide provides general information. It does not diagnose a condition, replace a consultation or cover every reason to seek care.