Common symptoms
What people often notice. Only a provider can tell you what’s causing yours.
- Sudden loose or watery stools
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Mild fever
Stomach & digestion
Traveler’s diarrhea: virtual care options
Traveler’s diarrhea is a stomach upset that happens during or soon after a trip, usually from food or water carrying germs your body is not used to. It is one of the most common travel illnesses and often clears within a few days.
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What a virtual visit may involve
Care is decided by the provider, based on your situation.
- An online visit where a provider asks where you traveled, when it started, and how you are coping
- Guidance on rehydration while you are away or after you get home
- Treatment, if a provider decides it is appropriate for your situation
- Advice on when you should find in-person care at your destination
When in-person care may be better
Urgent care, your doctor, or a clinic can examine and test you.
- Symptoms last more than a few days or return after you get home
- You are pregnant, an older adult, or have a chronic health condition
- A child is sick and not drinking well
- A provider wants stool tests for an infection picked up abroad
When to go to the ER
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- Bloody or black stool
- High fever, especially after travel to an area with malaria or other serious infections
- Severe belly pain
- Signs of dehydration: very little urine, dizziness, confusion, or a racing heart
- You cannot keep any fluids down
Ready to explore a virtual visit for Traveler’s diarrhea?
Check availability, pricing, and care details directly with the provider. You’ll leave ER.com when you continue.
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Common questions
Traveler’s diarrhea, answered.
General information, not medical advice. A provider can answer questions about your situation.
How long does traveler’s diarrhea last?
Many cases improve within three to five days. If it lasts longer, comes back, or starts after you get home, talk to a provider about whether testing is needed.
Can I see a doctor online while traveling?
Many people can, depending on where they are and the provider’s rules. A virtual visit can help with hydration advice and possible treatment. If you are in another country, check that the service can see you there.
When is traveler’s diarrhea serious?
Blood in the stool, a high fever, severe belly pain, or signs of dehydration need prompt in-person or emergency care. Fever after travel to certain regions should always be checked.
This is not for emergencies.
For life-threatening symptoms, severe chest pain, trouble breathing, or immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.