Food poisoning is always a horrible experience, but it’s ten times worse when you’re away from the comforts of your own home! Vhi GP, Dr Dermot McGlone, discusses the different symptoms of food poisoning, the precautions we should take with food when abroad, and the red flags we should look out for when eating on holiday.

Common food poisoning symptoms

Food poisoning can vary in severity and the symptoms can be very unpleasant! The common symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fatigue. Some people might experience fever and chills too.

What are the most common causes of food poisoning?

Food poisoning can be caused by eating contaminated and poorly-handled food. This can happen if:

• The food hasn’t been cooked or reheated fully.
• Food hasn’t been stored correctly or at the right temperature.
• The ‘use by’ date of the food has passed.
• Someone handles the food without washing their hands.
• Food becomes cross-contaminated with other foods through handling or prepping on the same surface, such as raw meat and bread being prepped on the same chopping board.

Food poisoning can also be caused by contamination from various bacteria or viruses, such as salmonella, e. coli or norovirus.

What precautions should be taken with food and drink when travelling abroad?

Some precautions will be region or country-specific and others will be across the board. The first thing to do is research the recommendations for your destination. After that:

• Always check if your food is thoroughly cooked through before eating it. It’s safest to avoid all uncooked meats, fish and shellfish.
• Be extra cautious about seafood in general when you’re abroad, because the symptoms of seafood food poisoning can be really quite nasty.
• Avoid the tap water or ice cubes in regions where unsafe water is an issue. Check ahead about the water safety in your destination. If you’re visiting a country with reports of contaminated water, you should also avoid foods that will be washed in the water, such as salad and peeled fruits. The same goes for ice lollies, aim for pre-packaged brands or avoid.
• Trust your instincts ─ if you come across a street food vendor or restaurant you don’t feel sure about, skip it.

Self-catering is a good way to have more control over your food safety. Make sure you choose fresh vegetables and fruit and wash them with bottled water while prepping. Choose meat that is chilled and covered too. Having travel insurance and knowledge of the nearest GP and hospital in advance of your trip is always a good idea. 

What red flags should people look out for regarding food and drink when travelling abroad?

These will apply whether you’re at home or abroad:

• Poor levels of hygiene in a restaurant or bar, including grubby surfaces, utensils and unclean bathrooms.
• Displayed food that isn’t covered.
• Food that looks as though it’s been lying around for hours, especially in hot weather.
• Food containers that don’t look as though they’re washed regularly.
• Restaurants where there are no other people eating at.
• Hot food should be served hot, and cold food cold. If any food is lukewarm, send it back.

Food poisoning treatment

If you suspect food poisoning and have the symptoms I’ve listed above, hydration is your first port of call. You could be losing water from throwing up, sweating or diarrhoea. Hydration tablets are great for replacing lost salts and minerals too. If after a few hours you can eat, stick to very small portions of dry, plain foods like bread, toast or rice. If you have diarrhoea (unless there’s blood in your stool), try Loperamide, which is an over-the-counter medicine (sold under the brand name Imodium) used to control symptoms.

Top tip: Don’t chug water when you’re unwell, as this can make you feel worse. Sip slowly instead. Ginger can help with upset stomach, so try a ginger tea or make your own if you have some to hand.

When is it time to visit a doctor for your food poisoning symptoms?

Any of the following symptoms require a visit to a healthcare provider:

• Fever.
• Blood in your stools.
• Not being able to keep any fluids down.
• If you’re seeing no improvement at all after 24 hours.

These tips, along with being attentive and aware, will hopefully help you to avoid foodborne illness when you’re abroad.

This content is for information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from your GP or an appropriate medical professional if you have concerns about your health or before commencing a new healthcare regime. If you believe that you are experiencing a medical emergency call 999 / 112 or seek emergency assistance immediately.