How To Avoid Tummy Upsets On Holiday

There is nothing worse than suffering from an upset stomach when you are on holiday. The pleasures of the beach, pool, bars, nightclubs etc., fade into a distant memory when your only thought is that you feel like you are about to die and that you cannot summon the strength to leave your bedroom – except to rush to the loo!

We have all experienced this at one time or another – thankfully standards of hygiene in European holiday resorts have improved immensely over the last twenty years, however, we are now travelling further afield to more exotic destinations where hygiene is not always what we would expect.

We cannot completely avoid the risk of an upset stomach – sometimes it is self-inflicted; too much alcohol and sun can be a major cause. There are some simple precautions that can be taken:

1. Avoid drinking the local tap water – use bottled water wherever possible.
2. Avoid ice in your drinks – this will have been made with tap water
3. Avoid eating food that has been cooked by street vendors
4. Avoid eating food from open buffets that have been on display for most of the day

Before you travel make sure that you have a supply of Imodium or similar medication, should you forget it is always worth remembering that the local chemist in your holiday resort will probably be able to give you medication over the counter that will resolve the problem.

If you are unfortunate enough to fall victim, remember to take plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and if the symptoms continue for more than 24 hours call a doctor.

For added peace of mind ensure that you have travel insurance, Holidaysafe Travel Insurance provides cover for emergency medical treatment, including the cost of medication.