Important: This article is general information, not medical advice. Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Use general terms carefully
MyHealth Alberta explains that “stomach flu” commonly refers to gastroenteritis and is not influenza. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever can occur, and foodborne illness is one possible cause among others.
A public article cannot identify the cause of one person’s symptoms or decide whether an absence needs documentation. Keep the focus on an appropriate care setting and the policy that applies to the absence.
Do not wait when symptoms may be urgent
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. MyHealth Alberta identifies emergency situations such as severe dehydration or sudden severe abdominal pain as reasons to use emergency services.
This is not a self-triage checklist. For a possible emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency assessment rather than waiting for a routine online request or a workplace document.
Documentation expectations still vary
Alberta Human Rights Commission guidance says workplace medical information should be limited to what is reasonably necessary for the absence, return date, restrictions, or accommodation context. A diagnosis is generally not required except in limited circumstances.
For Alberta personal and family responsibility leave, legislation does not require a medical certificate, although an employer may have its own documentation policy. Other leave types and school rules can differ.
Use the request path within its limits
For a non-emergency health concern, an AlbertaMD public request starts clinic review. The clinic reviews the request and contacts the person about the next step. It does not confirm an appointment, callback time, virtual visit, sick note, certificate, prescription, coverage, fee, or any other outcome.
For a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate emergency assessment instead of waiting for a documentation question or an online request.
Common patient questions.
Ready to start? For an eligible non-emergency concern, start your visit form when you are ready; the clinic reviews each request. Call 911 for an emergency or seek prompt professional assessment when a concern cannot wait.
Is stomach flu the same as influenza?
No. MyHealth Alberta explains that stomach flu commonly refers to gastroenteritis and is not influenza.
Does food poisoning automatically mean I need a sick note?
No. A document depends on an appropriate assessment and the policy of the workplace, school, or other organization requesting it.
When should I avoid waiting for an online request?
For a possible emergency, including severe dehydration or sudden severe abdominal pain, call 911 or seek immediate emergency assessment.
Continue with related Alberta guides.
These patient guides add context on virtual care, care navigation, and next-step preparation.
Learn more from Alberta resources.
These public resources offer additional context on virtual-care preparation, safety, and professional standards.
Ready to see a doctor?
Request a doctor call today.
For non-emergency health concerns only. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews each request and contacts you about the next step.