Gastro Symptoms in Kids: When to See a GP and Getting a Carer's Leave Certificate

Gastro always seems to strike at 2am, the night before something important. It spreads fast through schools, childcare and end-of-year parties, and when it hits, you're juggling a sick kid, a pile of washing and a boss who needs to know you're not coming in. Here's the 48-hour rule, how to keep it from spreading, and how to sort carer's leave without leaving the house.

In an emergency, call 000.

Gastro symptoms in kids: the season for it

Gastro (gastroenteritis) is a tummy bug, usually caused by a virus, and in Australia it tends to be more common from late winter into early summer. Vomiting, runny poo, tummy aches and feeling miserable are the familiar signs. Kids catch it easily from each other, and families tend to catch it from the kids.

If you're worried about your child, or they seem very unwell, trust your instincts and get them seen. In an emergency, call 000.

The 48-hour rule many parents forget

Here's the one that catches parents out. Many state health departments, including Victoria's, along with many schools and childcare centres, ask that kids stay home until 48 hours after their last vomit or runny poo, not just until they feel better. Gastro is very catchy, and people can still spread it after they've perked up.

Rules can vary, so check your school or childcare centre's policy. Either way, that waiting time is often why parents need carer's leave.

Stopping it spreading at home

• Wash hands with soap and water after the toilet, nappy changes and before preparing food.

• Clean up quickly and wipe down surfaces.

• Wash soiled clothes and linen on a hot cycle.

• Don't share towels, and keep the sick person out of the kitchen.

Can a GP see my child by video?

A video consult can be a handy first step when your child is unwell and you'd rather not sit in a waiting room. A GP can talk things through with you, see how your child is going on camera, and let you know if they need to be seen in person. Have your child with you on the call.

How to get a carer's leave certificate

Under the National Employment Standards, employees can use paid carer's leave to care for an immediate family or household member who is sick. Your employer can ask for reasonable evidence. A medical certificate is one common option, and the Fair Work Ombudsman says a statutory declaration can also be acceptable.

After a consult about your child, a GP can provide a medical certificate where clinically appropriate. Workplaces can set their own evidence rules, so check yours, and keep a copy of whatever you send your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can my child go back to school after gastro? Many health departments, schools and childcare centres ask that kids stay home until 48 hours after their last vomit or runny poo. Rules can vary, so check with your school or childcare centre.

How do I stop gastro spreading through the family? Wash hands with soap and water often, clean up quickly, wash soiled linen on a hot cycle, don't share towels, and keep the sick person out of the kitchen.

Can I get a carer's leave certificate from a telehealth GP? After a video consult about your child, a GP can provide a medical certificate where clinically appropriate and eligible. Have your child with you on the call, and check your workplace's evidence rules.

What can I use as evidence for carer's leave? Employers can ask for evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person. A medical certificate is common, and the Fair Work Ombudsman says a statutory declaration can also be acceptable. Check your award, agreement or workplace policy.

CTA Anyone can book. Medicare bulk billed if eligible. Book a standard video consult or a carer's leave certificate through bulkbill.doctor, where clinically appropriate and eligible. In an emergency, call 000.