What should you know about travellers' stomach flu?

Travelers stomach flu usually refers to gastroenteritis, managed with fluids, rest, gentle food, and careful monitoring. Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and loss of appetite can occur in different combinations. Take small sips often, reduce activity, and protect other travellers by washing hands thoroughly.

Gastroenteritis is irritation or infection of the stomach and intestines. During travel it can follow contaminated food, water or contact with an infected person. Rotavirus Infection is one possible cause, but symptoms cannot identify the germ by themselves. Diarrhoea and vomiting can remove water and salts from the body, making Dehydration the main concern.

Drink safe water or an oral rehydration solution in frequent small amounts. If vomiting occurs, pause briefly and restart with tiny sips. Return to bland, easy-to-digest foods when able, and continue usual essential medicines unless a clinician has given different advice. Do not share towels or utensils, and clean hands with soap after using the toilet. Avoid preparing food for others until recovery.

Get urgent help for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, very little urine, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek prompt advice for a persistent fever, worsening symptoms, or diarrhoea that does not settle. Babies, older adults, pregnant people and people with chronic illness should be assessed earlier because fluid loss can become serious quickly.

Ask how to replace fluids, whether an anti-vomiting or anti-diarrhoeal medicine fits your symptoms, and whether you need testing. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, what you ate or drank, whether you have Fever or blood in the stool, and which medicines you take.