Red flags & when to go in person for Traveler’s Diarrhea

Audience: adult

Traveler’s diarrhea is a common condition affecting people who visit new places, especially where food and water safety may differ. It usually causes loose, watery stools and stomach cramps. Most cases improve within a few days with simple care like staying hydrated and resting. However, some signs mean you should see a healthcare provider in person. These include severe dehydration, bloody stools, high fever, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days. Telemedicine can help you understand your symptoms, suggest ways to care for yourself, and decide if you need urgent care. But it cannot replace in-person exams or tests when symptoms are serious. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep you safe and ensures you get the right treatment quickly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe dehydration signs such as dizziness, very dry mouth, or little/no urine — seek urgent in-person care.
• Blood or mucus in stools — see a healthcare provider promptly in person.
• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than one day — get in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessing mild symptoms and providing hydration advice
• Guidance on diet and over-the-counter medicines
• Determining when in-person care is needed
• Answering questions about prevention and symptom management

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing severe dehydration or complications
• Performing physical exams or laboratory tests
• Treating bloody diarrhea or high fever
• Administering intravenous fluids or medications

What is Traveler’s Diarrhea?

Traveler’s diarrhea is an upset stomach that happens when you eat or drink something contaminated during travel. It often causes loose or watery stools, stomach cramps, nausea, and sometimes mild fever. It usually starts within a few days of arrival and lasts a few days. Most people recover without medicines by drinking plenty of fluids and resting.

Common Causes and Risks

Traveler’s diarrhea is usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites found in contaminated food or water. Eating street food, drinking untreated water, or eating raw fruits and vegetables can increase risk. Areas with poor sanitation often have higher chances of causing traveler’s diarrhea.

When to Use Telemedicine for Traveler’s Diarrhea

Telemedicine can help you check your symptoms, get advice on hydration and diet, and learn about over-the-counter options. It’s useful for mild symptoms without warning signs. A healthcare provider can guide you on how to care for yourself at home and when to seek in-person care.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care

Some symptoms mean you should see a healthcare provider in person or go to an emergency room:

If you have any of these, prompt in-person evaluation is important.

Preventing Traveler’s Diarrhea

To reduce risk, follow these tips:

Managing Symptoms at Home

Most traveler’s diarrhea improves with simple care:

Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a healthcare professional.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your symptoms including when they started
• Note any recent travel details and food or water exposures
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies
• Measure your temperature if possible
• Be ready to describe stool appearance and frequency
• Have a way to take notes during the tele-visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow hydration and diet advice given by the provider
• Monitor symptoms closely for any worsening or red flags
• Use recommended over-the-counter medicines as directed
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red flags appear
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits if symptoms persist

FAQs

Can I use antibiotics for traveler’s diarrhea?

Antibiotics are not always needed and should only be used if prescribed by a healthcare provider. Many cases improve with hydration and rest. Using antibiotics unnecessarily can cause side effects and resistance.

How can I prevent traveler’s diarrhea during my trip?

Drink bottled or boiled water, avoid ice cubes, eat hot cooked foods, wash your hands often, and avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself. Some vaccines may help depending on your destination.

When should I worry about dehydration?

If you feel very thirsty, dizzy, have a dry mouth, produce very little urine, or feel weak, these may be signs of dehydration. Seek medical care promptly, especially if you cannot keep fluids down.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for traveler’s diarrhea?

Telemedicine can be a good first step for mild symptoms. It helps you get advice quickly and decide if you need to see a healthcare provider in person. However, serious symptoms always require in-person evaluation.

Sources

1. Traveler’s Diarrhea — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Traveler's Diarrhea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Traveler's Diarrhea — Mayo Clinic.
4. Diarrhea — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.