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Feeling sick to your stomach, often with an urge to vomit. Can have many causes from mild to serious.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Stomach bug causing nausea, often with vomiting.
You might suspect this if you have:
Nausea from travel or movement.
You might suspect this if you have:
Morning sickness in early pregnancy.
You might suspect this if you have:
Many medications can cause nausea.
You might suspect this if you have:
Stomach acid can cause nausea.
You might suspect this if you have:
Nausea often accompanies migraines.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Nausea is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it has dozens of possible causes. The clinical approach starts with context: sudden onset with vomiting and diarrhoea points to gastro or food poisoning. Nausea with a missed period — pregnancy test first. Nausea after starting a new medication — likely a side effect. Nausea worse after meals — consider reflux or gallbladder issues. Morning nausea with headache — check blood pressure and consider raised intracranial pressure if persistent. Isolated nausea with anxiety is also extremely common. The key red flags are nausea with severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, or inability to keep any fluids down for 12 hours — these need urgent assessment.
Medical certificate guidance: Persistent nausea that prevents eating, concentrating, or travelling safely to work is a valid reason for a certificate. Most nausea from viral causes resolves in 1-2 days.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Yes. If nausea is preventing you from working safely (e.g. driving, operating machinery), our doctors can provide a certificate.
Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, confusion, or inability to keep any fluids down for 24 hours.
Small sips of water, bland foods, ginger, and avoiding triggers. Some medications can help — a doctor can advise.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Pain in any region of the head, ranging from sharp to dull, that may occur with other symptoms. One of the most common health complaints.
Persistent tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't improve with rest. Can significantly impact work, relationships, and quality of life.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.