Travellers Diarrhea: Causes, Prevention, and Fast Relief Tips

You just booked your dream holiday or that important business trip. But there’s one worry that keeps coming up – what if you get sick while you’re away?

Traveller’s diarrhea affects up to 40% of people who travel overseas from Australia. It can turn your perfect trip into days stuck in a hotel room. The good news? You can prevent it and treat it quickly when you know what to do.

This guide will show you exactly how to protect yourself, what causes travellers diarrhea, and how to get fast relief if symptoms start. You’ll also learn how Australian travellers can access medical care from anywhere in the world.

Heading overseas soon? Book a quick online consultation with an Australian doctor and get personalised travel health advice, including treatment or preventive care for traveller’s diarrhea no clinic visit needed.

What Is a Traveller’s Diarrhea?

Traveller’s diarrhea is loose, watery stools that happen when you travel to places with different bacteria and germs than your home country. Your stomach and gastrointestinal tract aren’t used to these new microbes.

Most cases start within the first week of travel. You might have three or more loose stools in 24 hours, along with stomach cramps, nausea, or feeling unwell.

The condition usually lasts 3-5 days without treatment. But it can ruin your travel plans and leave you feeling weak and dehydrated.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

• Three or more loose stools per day
• Stomach cramps and pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling tired and weak
• Mild fever (usually under 38.5°C)
• Urgent need to use the bathroom

Most travellers’ diarrhea is mild. But sometimes symptoms can be more serious and need medical care right away.

When to Seek Medical Help

Contact a doctor if you have:

• High fever over 39°C
• Blood in your stools
• Severe stomach pain
• Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dark urine, extreme thirst)
• Symptoms lasting more than 5 days
• Vomiting that stops you from keeping fluids down

These signs could mean you have a more serious infection that needs prescription medicine.

What Causes Traveller’s Diarrhea?

The main cause is eating or drinking something contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Your body isn’t used to these germs, so your digestive system reacts strongly.

The Most Common Culprits

Bacteria cause about 80% of cases. The most common types are:

• E. coli (especially in developing countries)
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter
• Shigella

Viruses like norovirus and rotavirus cause about 15% of cases.

Parasites like Giardia cause the remaining 5% and often lead to longer-lasting symptoms.

How You Get Infected

Contaminated food and water are the main ways germs spread to travellers. Here’s how it happens:

Contaminated Food Sources:

• Street food prepared in unsanitary conditions
• Raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
• Fresh fruits and vegetables washed in local water
• Dairy products that aren’t pasteurised
• Food left at room temperature for too long

Contaminated Water Sources:

• Tap water in areas with poor sanitation
• Ice cubes made from local tap water
• Swimming pool or beach water, you accidentally swallow
• Bottled water that’s been opened and refilled

Even brushing your teeth with tap water can cause problems in some destinations.

 

 

High-Risk Destinations for Australian Travellers

Some countries have higher rates of traveller’s diarrhea than others. The risk depends on the local sanitation, food safety standards, and water quality.

Highest Risk Areas

• Most of Africa
• Parts of Asia (especially Southeast Asia and India)
• Central and South America
• Middle East (except Gulf states)
• Eastern Europe and Russia

Popular destinations like Bali, Thailand, India, and Egypt see many Australian travellers get sick each year.

Moderate Risk Areas

• Southern and Eastern Europe
• Some Caribbean islands
• Parts of China and urban areas in Asia
• Tourist areas in Mexico and South America

Lower Risk Areas

• Western Europe
• North America
• Australia and New Zealand
• Japan and South Korea
• Singapore and Hong Kong

Remember, you can get traveller’s diarrhea anywhere. Even lower-risk countries can cause problems if you’re not careful.

Do not wait for symptoms to worsen while travelling. Our Australian doctors are available 7 days a week to help you prepare, prescribe preventive medicines, or offer fast relief all through a same-day telehealth appointment.

Prevention: Your Best Defence Against Traveller’s Diarrhea

Prevention is much easier than treatment. Simple changes to what you eat and drink can cut your risk by up to 85%.

The Golden Rules of Safe Eating

Choose Hot, Freshly Cooked Food

• Eat food that’s cooked thoroughly and served steaming hot
• Avoid food that’s been sitting out or kept warm for hours
• Pick busy restaurants with high turnover of fresh food

Be Careful with Raw Foods

• Skip raw or undercooked meat, fish, and eggs
• Avoid fresh salads and raw vegetables you can’t peel yourself
• Say no to fresh fruit salads prepared by others

Pick Safe Fruits and Vegetables

• Choose fruits you can peel yourself (bananas, oranges, mangoes)
• Avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors
• Skip garnishes and decorations on your plate

Water Safety Rules

Stick to Bottled Water

• Buy sealed bottles from reputable stores
• Check that the seal is intact before drinking
• Use bottled water for brushing teeth, too

Avoid Risky Water Sources

• Don’t drink tap water, even in hotels
• Skip ice cubes unless you know they’re made from safe water
• Avoid fountain drinks and fresh juices mixed with local water

Safe Alternatives

• Hot drinks like tea and coffee are usually safe
• Canned or bottled drinks from sealed containers
• Beer and wine (alcohol kills most germs)

Hand Hygiene: Your First Line of Defence

Wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water. This simple step stops germs from getting into your mouth.

When to Wash Your Hands:

• Before eating or handling food
• After using the bathroom
• After touching animals or surfaces in public areas
• Before and after caring for someone who’s sick

If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol.

Smart Food Choices by Destination

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia)

• Stick to busy street food stalls with high turnover
• Avoid seafood in inland areas
• Be extra careful with dairy products

India and South Asia

• Choose vegetarian options when possible
• Avoid fresh dairy products like lassi
• Skip fresh chutneys and sauces

Africa

• Avoid all raw foods, including salads
• Be very careful with water, even for brushing teeth
• Choose well-cooked meat from reputable restaurants

South America

• Avoid ceviche and other raw fish dishes
• Be careful with fresh fruit juices
• Skip street vendor food in rural areas

Treatment Options: What to Do If You Get Sick

Even with careful prevention, you might still get traveller’s diarrhea. Quick treatment helps you feel better faster and prevents complications.

Immediate Self-Care Steps

Stay Hydrated. This is the most important thing you can do. Diarrhea makes you lose fluids and important salts quickly.

• Drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) if you have it
• Sip clear fluids like water, clear broths, or weak tea
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products
• Take small, frequent sips rather than large amounts

Rest and Recover

• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection
• Stay close to the bathroom facilities
• Avoid strenuous activities until you feel better

Eat Simple Foods. When you feel like eating again, start with:

• Plain white rice or rice water
• Bananas are a good source of potassium.
• Plain toast or crackers
• Boiled potatoes without skin

Oral Rehydration Salts: Your Travel Essential

Oral rehydration salts help replace the fluids and minerals you lose with diarrhea. You can buy packets before you travel or make your solution.

How to Use ORS:

• Mix one packet with clean water as directed
• Drink small sips throughout the day
• Keep drinking even if you’re still having diarrhea

DIY Rehydration Solution: If you don’t have ORS packets, mix:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 litre of clean water

This isn’t as good as proper ORS, but it helps in an emergency.

When You Need Prescription Medicine

Some cases of traveller’s diarrhea need antibiotic treatment. This is especially true if you have:

• High fever over 39°C
• Blood or mucus in stools
• Severe cramping and pain
• Symptoms lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of dehydration

Common antibiotics for diarrhea include:

• Azithromycin (good for most destinations)
• Ciprofloxacin is effective, but it has more side effects. Rifaximin (good for mild to moderate cases)

You need a prescription from an Australian doctor to get these medicines.

Over-the-Counter Options

Anti-Diarrheal Medicines Loperamide (Imodium) can help control symptoms by slowing down your gut. But don’t use it if you have:

• High fever
• Blood in your stools
• Severe stomach pain

These could be signs of a serious infection that needs to clear out naturally.

Probiotics. Some studies show probiotics help prevent and treat traveller’s diarrhea. Look for products with multiple strains of beneficial bacteria.

Getting Medical Care While Travelling

What happens if you get really sick in a remote area or a country where you don’t speak the language? This is where telehealth services become invaluable for Australian travellers.

Telehealth Consultation Benefits

Access Australian Doctors Anywhere

• Video call with licensed Australian doctors
• Get advice in English from doctors who understand Australian medical standards
• Available 7 days a week, even on holidays

Same-Day Prescriptions

• Get prescriptions sent to local pharmacies
• Avoid language barriers when explaining symptoms
• Get medicines you trust and recognise

No Need for Face-to-Face Visits

• Skip crowded emergency rooms in foreign countries
• Avoid exposure to other illnesses
• Get help from your hotel room or anywhere with internet

When Telehealth Can’t Replace Local Care

Some situations still need immediate local medical attention:

• Severe dehydration requiring IV fluids
• High fever with confusion or severe weakness
• Suspected complications like inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups
• If you have pre-existing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome that get worse

But for most cases of traveller’s diarrhea, a telehealth consultation can provide the guidance and treatment you need.

Health Services for Australian Travellers

Before you travel, check what health services are available at your destination:

• Location of nearest hospital or clinic
• Whether your travel insurance covers telehealth consultations
• How to contact Australian consular services if needed
• Local emergency numbers

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has good information about health risks by country.

Building Your Travel Health Kit

Pack a small medical kit with essentials for treating traveller’s diarrhea and other common travel health issues.

Essential Items to Pack

Rehydration Supplies

• Oral rehydration salts (at least 10 packets)
• Electrolyte tablets or powder
• Small measuring cup for mixing solutions

Medicines

• Loperamide for symptom control
• Paracetamol for fever and pain
• Hand sanitiser (60% alcohol minimum)
• Probiotics (keep refrigerated if required)

Hygiene Items

• Antibacterial wipes
• Tissues and toilet paper
• Thermometer
• Small first aid supplies

Prescription Medicines to Consider

Talk to an Australian doctor before you travel about getting prescriptions for:

Preventive Antibiotics Some doctors recommend taking antibiotics to prevent traveller’s diarrhea if you’re:

• Going to very high-risk areas
• Travelling for important business or events
• Have health conditions that make diarrhea dangerous

Treatment Antibiotics: Having antibiotics ready means you can start treatment quickly if needed. This is especially important if you’re going to remote areas where medical care isn’t easily available.

Anti-Nausea Medicine If you tend to get motion sickness or nausea, having prescription anti-nausea medicine helps you keep fluids down.

Special Considerations for Different Travellers

Different types of travellers have different needs when it comes to preventing and treating travellers’ diarrhea.

Families Travelling with Children

Children get sicker faster with diarrhea because they dehydrate quickly. Extra precautions help keep kids healthy:

Prevention for Kids

• Be even more strict about food and water safety
• Pack familiar foods for picky eaters
• Bring extra hand sanitiser and wipes
• Consider staying in accommodations with kitchens

Treatment for Children

• Use pediatric oral rehydration solution
• Contact a doctor sooner than you would for adults
• Keep kids comfortable and entertained while they recover
• Have child-friendly medicines in your travel kit

Business Travellers and Digital Nomads

When you can’t afford to be sick, prevention becomes even more important:

Smart Planning

• Research restaurants and safe eating options before you arrive
• Pack a comprehensive travel health kit
• Consider preventive antibiotics for short, important trips
• Have telehealth consultation options ready

Quick Recovery Strategies

• Start treatment at the first sign of symptoms
• Use technology to consult Australian doctors quickly
• Plan buffer days in your schedule when possible

Travellers with Pre-Existing Conditions

If you have conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, or diabetes, traveller’s diarrhea can be more serious:

Extra Precautions

• Consult your Australian doctor before travelling
• Bring extra prescription medicines
• Consider travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions
• Have emergency contact information for local specialists

Recovery and Getting Back to Your Trip

Most people recover from traveller’s diarrhea within 3-5 days. Here’s how to get back to enjoying your trip safely:

Gradual Return to Normal Eating

Don’t jump back to spicy local cuisine right away. Your digestive system needs time to recover fully:

Days 1-2 After Symptoms Stop

• Continue with simple, bland foods
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine

Days 3-5

• Slowly add more variety to your diet
• Start with cooked foods you know are safe
• Pay attention to how your stomach feels

After One Week

• You can usually return to normal eating
• Still be cautious with high-risk foods
• Trust your instincts about what feels right

Preventing Repeat Episodes

Having traveller’s diarrhea once doesn’t protect you from getting it again. In fact, your digestive system might be more sensitive for a few weeks.

Continue following safe eating and drinking practices for the rest of your trip.

Long-Term Health Considerations

Most travellers’ diarrhea clears up completely without lasting effects. But sometimes complications can develop:

Post-Infectious Irritable Bowel Syndrome

About 10% of people develop ongoing digestive issues after severe traveller’s diarrhea. Symptoms include:

• Continued stomach pain and cramping
• Changes in bowel habits
• Bloating and gas

These symptoms usually improve over several months but might need medical management.

Persistent Infections

Some parasites and bacteria can cause symptoms that last weeks or months. If you still have digestive problems 2-3 weeks after returning home, see an Australian doctor for testing.

When to Get Tested After Travel

Consider stool testing if you have:

• Symptoms lasting more than 2 weeks after returning home
• Blood in stools
• Severe weight loss
• Signs of malnutrition

Australian doctors can arrange appropriate testing and treatment.

Making the Most of Telehealth for Travel Health

Modern technology makes it easier than ever for Australian travellers to get medical care anywhere in the world. Here’s how to make the most of telehealth services:

Before You Travel

• Set up accounts with Australian telehealth providers
• Make sure your devices can handle video calls
• Check internet connectivity at your destination
• Download any required apps

During Your Trip

• Don’t wait until you’re very sick to seek help
• Have your symptoms and medication list ready
• Be prepared to describe your travel history
• Follow up as recommended by your doctor

After You Return

• Report any ongoing symptoms to your regular Australian doctor
• Keep records of any treatments you received while travelling
• Consider follow-up testing if recommended

Your Action Plan for Healthy Travel

Traveller’s diarrhea doesn’t have to ruin your trip. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can prevent most cases and treat symptoms quickly when they do occur.

Key Steps to Remember:

1. Plan – Research your destination and pack a travel health kit
2. Eat and Drink Safely – Follow the golden rules of travel food safety
3. Stay Hydrated – Carry oral rehydration salts and use them at the first sign of trouble
4. Get Help When Needed – Don’t hesitate to consult an Australian doctor via telehealth
5. Take Time to Recover – Give your body time to heal before returning to normal activities

Remember, most travellers’ diarrhea is mild and goes away on its own. But having a plan makes you feel more confident and helps you enjoy your trip even if problems arise.

The convenience of telehealth consultations means you’re never completely cut off from quality Australian medical care, no matter where your travels take you. Whether you need preventive advice, prescription medicines, or treatment guidance, help is just a video call away.

Need help before your next trip? Speak to a licensed Australian doctor online and get everything sorted prescriptions, advice, or quick relief. Book your same-day telehealth consultation now.