Traveller's diarrhoea: prevention and when to seek help

Reduce avoidable exposure

Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet. Where water safety is uncertain, use sealed bottled or appropriately treated water and avoid ice unless its source is known.

Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot. Be cautious with raw shellfish, unpasteurised products and food held at room temperature.

Make hydration the priority

Replace fluids early and consider correctly prepared oral rehydration solution, especially for children, older adults and people vulnerable to dehydration. Follow the packet directions using safe water.

Anti-diarrhoeal or antibiotic medicines are not suitable for every person or illness. Discuss a standby plan before travel only when clinically appropriate.

Recognise warning signs

Seek medical help for blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent high fever, marked dehydration, confusion or rapidly worsening illness. Young children and medically vulnerable travellers may need earlier assessment.

After returning, tell the clinician the countries, dates, food or water exposures and any medicines taken.

Reduce exposure without relying on a perfect-food list

Choose food that is freshly cooked and served hot, clean hands before eating and use a reliable water source. Risk depends on handling and storage as well as the name of the dish. Raw garnishes, unsealed water and ice from an uncertain source deserve particular thought.

Vaccination can protect against selected infections but does not prevent most travellers’ diarrhoea. Practical food, water and hand hygiene remain central on every itinerary.

• ✓ Pack oral rehydration sachets
• ✓ Check bottled-water seals
• ✓ Use safe water for medicines
• ✓ Know the warning symptoms

Prioritise fluid replacement

Most uncomplicated episodes improve, but fluid loss can become serious, particularly for young children, older adults and people with health conditions. Use oral rehydration solution made with safe water and follow the packet instructions. Continue appropriate food as tolerated rather than fasting for long periods.

Ask a pharmacist before travel about a sensible self-care kit and medicine suitability. Anti-diarrhoeal medicines and standby antibiotics are not appropriate for everyone and should not mask warning signs.

Recognise when self-care is not enough

Seek medical help for blood in the stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, marked dehydration, confusion, high fever or symptoms in a vulnerable traveller. The threshold should be lower when care is remote or symptoms are worsening.

If illness continues after return, contact a healthcare professional and explain the route, dates and any treatment taken abroad. Keep product names or photographs of packaging to support that assessment.