Food poisoning on holiday

A change in food, water, climate, routine or local germs can upset the digestive system while travelling. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. You may not be able to identify the meal responsible, particularly when symptoms begin later. Heat, walking and limited access to toilets can make fluid loss harder to manage. Most short-lived illness improves with supportive care, but symptoms can resemble other infections, so worsening illness deserves assessment.

Use sealed or reliably treated drinking water where local advice recommends it, and take frequent small sips. Oral rehydration therapy can replace water and salts lost through diarrhoea. Rest somewhere cool, eat light foods as tolerated, and keep a note of symptoms and fluids. Wash hands with soap and water, avoid swimming while unwell, and do not prepare meals for companions. Ask hotel staff, a local pharmacy or a clinician where to obtain medical help. If you cannot drink enough, IV fluid therapy may be considered by a healthcare professional.

Seek urgent local medical care for blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, very little urine, or inability to keep fluids down. A high fever with marked weakness needs prompt assessment. Get advice earlier if you are pregnant, travelling with a young child, older, or immunocompromised. Do not delay care because you are due to fly; dehydration can worsen during travel.

Is my illness consistent with food poisoning or a travel-related infection? Which fluids and foods are suitable here? Do I need advice before flying, or testing if symptoms continue after returning?