Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis) — When to Call a Doctor
Reading time: 5 minutesUpdated April 2026
Vomiting and diarrhoea are usually self-limiting, but they can cause dehydration quickly — especially in hot weather, on a hotel trip, or in young children and elderly patients.
Typical symptoms
Nausea and vomiting
Watery diarrhoea (often 4–8 times per day)
Abdominal cramps
Low-grade fever
Headache, fatigue
First measures at home
Small frequent sips of oral rehydration solution (ORS) — pharmacies sell Elotrans, Oralpädon, Saltadol
Avoid solid food for the first 6 hours if vomiting is severe
Reintroduce food slowly: dry toast, bananas, rice, apple sauce
Avoid milk, alcohol, coffee, greasy food for 1–2 days
Paracetamol for fever/aches; avoid ibuprofen if there is stomach pain
Strict hand hygiene to prevent household spread (norovirus/rotavirus)
When to call a doctor
Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
Blood or mucus in stool
Fever above 39 °C
Severe abdominal pain, especially if one-sided (possible appendicitis)
Signs of dehydration: dark urine, dizziness, fast pulse, dry mouth, sunken eyes
Children under 2 or adults over 70
Pregnant women
Unable to keep any fluids down
Recent travel to tropical regions (possible parasitic infection)
What DoktorAkut can do on site
Physical examination — including hydration status assessment
Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate
Stool rapid tests where indicated (Norovirus, Rotavirus, C. difficile)
IV rehydration (Ringer's lactate, NaCl) under physician supervision — often the fastest way to recovery
Antiemetic and antispasmodic medication
Referral for hospital admission if red flags are present
Norovirus is the most frequent cause of winter gastroenteritis in Germany. Outbreaks are common at Oktoberfest, in hotels, and in offices. Rotavirus affects mainly young children. Food poisoning (Salmonella, Campylobacter) is also common in summer and after travel.
FAQ
When is stomach flu dangerous?
When you cannot keep fluids down, show signs of dehydration, have blood in stool, or are in a vulnerable group (very young, elderly, pregnant).
Can I get an IV at home?
Yes — DoktorAkut physicians set up IV rehydration at home. This avoids a clinic trip and is effective for moderate dehydration.
How quickly can you come?
60–120 minutes after request. We prioritise dehydration cases, especially in children.