When your child suddenly starts vomiting or has diarrhoea, it can be stressful and overwhelming — especially in the middle of the night. Gastroenteritis (“gastro”) is very common in children, but knowing what signs to watch for and when to seek medical advice can make a big difference.
At 13SICK, our after-hours doctors regularly help families manage gastro symptoms in children through face-to face home doctor consultations where a doctor is rostered in the area, and bulk billed telehealth consultations for Medicare card holders when a face-to-face doctor is not available.
What is gastro?
Gastroenteritis, commonly called “gastro,” is an infection of the stomach and intestines. It is usually caused by a virus, but can sometimes be caused by bacteria or food poisoning.
Children with gastro may experience:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Tiredness or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
Gastro can spread very easily between family members, schools, childcare centres and households.
How long does gastro usually last in children?
Most cases of viral gastro improve within 24 to 72 hours, although some children may continue to have mild diarrhoea for several days afterwards.
Vomiting often settles first, followed by improvement in appetite and energy levels.
What is the biggest concern with gastro in children?
The biggest concern is dehydration.
Young children and babies can lose fluids very quickly through vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly if they are unable to keep fluids down.
Signs of dehydration can include:
- Dry lips or mouth
- Fewer wet nappies or less urination
- No tears when crying
- Sunken eyes
- Drowsiness or unusual sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Irritability
- Refusing fluids
If your child is showing signs of dehydration, medical advice should be sought promptly.
What can parents do at home for gastro?
For mild gastro symptoms, parents can often help manage symptoms at home by:
Encouraging small amounts of fluids regularly
Small sips every few minutes are often better tolerated than large drinks.
Good options include:
- Water
- Oral rehydration solutions
- Ice blocks or icy poles
- Breast milk or formula for babies
Letting your child rest
Children with gastro are often tired and need extra rest.
Offering simple foods once vomiting settles
Foods such as toast, rice, crackers, bananas or plain pasta may help once your child feels ready to eat again.
Practising good hygiene
Wash hands thoroughly and regularly to help stop the spread to other family members.
When should you call a doctor for gastro?
You should seek medical advice if your child:
- Cannot keep fluids down
- Has ongoing vomiting
- Has severe diarrhoea
- Appears dehydrated
- Has a high fever
- Has severe stomach pain
- Is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake
- Has blood in vomit or stools
- Is under 12 months old and unwell
- Has symptoms that are worsening rather than improving
Parents know their children best — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s always okay to seek advice.
Can 13SICK help with gastro in children?
Yes. 13SICK provides after-hours medical care for children with gastro symptoms when your regular GP clinic is closed.
When we have a doctor rostered in your area, we can provide a face-to-face home doctor consultation. In areas where a face-to-face doctor is not available, we offer bulk billed telehealth consultations for Medicare card holders.
Depending on your location and doctor availability, our doctors may provide:
- Medical assessment of symptoms
- Advice on hydration and symptom management
- Assessment for dehydration
- Recommendations for further treatment if required
- Referral to hospital if necessary
For many families, having access to an after-hours doctor can provide reassurance and guidance during the night, weekends and public holidays.
When is 13SICK available?
13SICK operates during the after-hours period:
- Monday to Friday: from 6pm
- Saturdays: from 12pm
- Sundays: all day
- Public Holidays: all day
You can request a doctor online or call 13 74 25 (13SICK).
Can gastro spread through the household?
Yes — gastro is highly contagious.
To help reduce the spread:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Avoid sharing towels or drink bottles
- Clean surfaces regularly
- Keep unwell children home from school or childcare
- Wash contaminated clothing or bedding promptly
Children should generally stay home for at least 24 hours after vomiting or diarrhoea stops.
Final Thoughts
Gastro in children is common, but it can quickly become exhausting and worrying for parents — especially overnight.
Monitoring hydration, encouraging fluids and seeking medical advice when needed are key steps in helping your child recover safely.
If your regular GP is closed, 13SICK is available after hours to help support Australian families with medical care when they need it most.
When we have a doctor rostered in your area, we offer face-to-face home doctor consultations. In areas where a face-to-face doctor is not available, we offer bulk billed telehealth consultations for Medicare card holders.
– Dr Cleon Pinto MBBS FRACGP
