When should you go to the hospital for travelers diarrhea?


When should you go to the hospital for travelers diarrhea? Call a doctor if you have diarrhea that is severe, lasts more than a few days or is bloody. If you are traveling, call an embassy or consulate for help locating a doctor. Other signs that you should seek medical attention include: A fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher.


Is travelers diarrhea the same as food poisoning?

Who gets traveler's diarrhea? Gastrointestinal infection can happen to anyone, anywhere. At home, we might call it food poisoning or a stomach flu. But it's easier to get it during international travel, when you're more likely to be exposed to pathogens that may be less commonly transmitted at home.


What happens if travelers diarrhea goes untreated?

It can be fatal if it's left untreated. In addition to being picked up from contaminated food or water, the bacteria or parasites that cause dysentery can be passed from person to person in close contact, or you can get it by swimming in unclean water.


Should I let travelers diarrhea run its course?

Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).


When does travelers diarrhea peak?

Recent studies have shown that approximately 25% of travelers develop TD in the first 2 weeks abroad, with the highest rates occurring in travel to Africa and South, Central and West Asia.


What are the symptoms of severe travelers diarrhea?

What are the symptoms of traveler's diarrhea?
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Bloating.
  • Belly (abdominal) pain or cramps.
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Trouble waiting to have a bowel movement (urgency)
  • Feeling tired.
  • Fever.


What are red flags for Travellers diarrhea?

Seek medical attention if you have bloody diarrhea, high fever, persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, profuse sweating, or signs of dehydration.


How many days should travelers diarrhea last?

Untreated, bacterial diarrhea usually lasts 3–7 days. Viral diarrhea generally lasts 2–3 days. Protozoal diarrhea can persist for weeks to months without treatment. An acute bout of TD can lead to persistent enteric symptoms, even in the absence of continued infection.


Can travelers diarrhea get worse?

Although traveler's diarrhea is typically a benign, self-resolving condition, it can lead to dehydration and, in severe cases, significant complications.


Should you eat with travelers diarrhea?

Water or an oral rehydration solution is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, crackers, soup, and sports drinks.