Traveler's diarrhea is the most common health problem people pick up abroad. It is usually caused by eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites your body isn't used to. Most cases are unpleasant but short-lived, and a few sensible habits can dramatically cut your risk. This guide covers prevention, self-care, and the warning signs that mean you should stop self-treating and get help.
Prevention starts with what goes in your mouth
- Drink sealed bottled or properly treated water where tap water may be unsafe, and use it for brushing teeth too.
- Skip ice unless you know it was made from safe water.
- Favor food that is freshly cooked and served piping hot.
- Choose fruit you peel yourself and be cautious with raw salads, unpasteurized dairy, and food left standing at buffets.
- Wash hands often or use sanitizer before eating, especially after markets and public transport.
Boil it, cook it, peel it, or skip it
This old travel maxim still works. When in doubt about food or water hygiene, leave it. A single cautious decision can save days of your trip.
If you do get sick
The priority is replacing lost fluids and salts. Sip oral rehydration solution, made from sachets you can pack in advance, or use safe bottled water with small amounts of salt and sugar if sachets aren't available. Rest, and ease back to bland foods like rice, bread, and bananas as you feel able. Most cases improve within a few days.
About medicines
Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicines can reduce symptoms in adults for short trips but are not suitable for everyone and should be avoided if you have a high fever or blood in your stool. Antibiotics are sometimes appropriate for moderate or severe cases, but only a clinician should decide that, because they are not needed for most cases and the right choice depends on where you traveled. Do not give anti-diarrheal medicines to young children without medical advice.
Get medical help abroad if you have
A high fever, blood or mucus in your stool, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting that prevents you keeping fluids down, signs of dehydration such as very little urine or dizziness on standing, or symptoms lasting more than a few days. For collapse, confusion, or inability to drink, seek emergency care immediately; emergency numbers vary by country, so note the local number on arrival (112 works across the EU).
Plan before you travel
- Pack a small kit with oral rehydration sachets, hand sanitizer, and any regular medicines in their original packaging.
- Check whether your destination has specific food, water, or vaccination advice well before departure.
- Note your travel insurance details and how to access care locally.
- Carry a copy of your prescriptions in case you need refills.
Get advice before and during your trip
A pre-travel consultation can tailor prevention to your destination, health, and any medicines you take, and online care means you can also get help if you fall ill while away. A verified doctor on iHealix can review your itinerary and symptoms, advise on safe self-care, and tell you when local in-person care is needed. This article is for general information and does not replace personalized medical advice.