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Can You Take Sick Leave for Gastro?

Yes, gastro can be a reason to take sick leave when you're unable to work because of your illness. Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea and other symptoms can make it difficult to work safely and effectively, depending on your circumstances.

If you need evidence for your absence, you may also need a medical certificate or other reasonable evidence depending on your workplace requirements.

Read the full answer Request a Certificate

Jump to: Is it a reason for sick leave · Different types of work · Medical certificate · When to seek medical care · FAQs

Can gastro be a reason to take sick leave?

Personal leave can apply when you're unable to work because of your own illness or injury. Gastroenteritis, commonly called gastro, can cause symptoms including:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Stomach cramps or pain
Weakness or fatigue
Dehydration

It depends on how significant your symptoms are and how they're affecting your ability to work. Having one of these symptoms on its own doesn't automatically mean you need time off. Your own circumstances matter.

Gastro and different types of work

The impact of gastro can be particularly relevant where work involves:

Preparing or handling food
Caring for children
Caring for older people
Working with patients
Close contact with other people
Safety-sensitive duties

If your work involves food handling, healthcare, childcare or aged care, workplace infection-control policies and other requirements may apply. Sicknotes doesn't provide infection-control clearance or determine whether you're fit to work.

Can you get a medical certificate for gastro?

If gastro is affecting your ability to work and you need to take time off, you can request an Absence from Work Certificate through Sicknotes for eligible personal leave circumstances.

A certificate isn't issued automatically just because you mention gastro or gastroenteritis. Every request is individually reviewed, and a certificate is only issued where the reviewing AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist determines it's appropriate.

Do you need a medical certificate for gastro sick leave?

Under the Fair Work Act, employers can ask employees to provide reasonable evidence to support a claim for personal leave. A medical certificate is one example of that evidence, although individual employers, awards and agreements can have their own requirements.

Requirements can vary between workplaces, so if you're unsure what your employer needs, it's worth checking your workplace policy. See the Fair Work Ombudsman's guidance on personal leave.

What if you have gastro and need to work?

If your symptoms are significant enough to affect your ability to work, taking personal leave may be relevant. It's worth thinking about your own circumstances and any requirements your workplace has.

If your work involves food handling, healthcare, childcare or aged care, follow your workplace's infection-control policies. Sicknotes doesn't provide infection-control clearance or determine whether you're fit to return to work.

When should you seek medical care?

Gastro often settles on its own without specific treatment, but it's worth seeking medical care if you notice:

Signs of significant dehydration
Blood in vomit or bowel movements
Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Inability to keep fluids down
Significant deterioration
Symptoms that aren't improving

For general health information, see Healthdirect's guidance on gastroenteritis.

Need an Absence from Work Certificate?

If gastro is affecting your ability to work and you need documentation, Sicknotes lets eligible Australians request an Absence from Work Certificate online for personal leave. Your request is reviewed by an AHPRA-Registered Pharmacist.

A certificate isn't issued automatically. Every request is individually reviewed, and a certificate is only issued where the pharmacist determines it's appropriate.

Only $5, no appointment required
Reviewed by AHPRA-Registered Pharmacists
Certificate delivered by email
No certificate, no charge