Brits planning holidays to popular destinations have been issued an important warning. Health experts have told people to follow certain rules or risk getting ill abroad.

The advice comes as officials reported a rise in stomach bugs among travellers returning from countries such as Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia, and Turkey. “Many” of those affected had stayed in all-inclusive tourist resorts.

In an update, the team at Travel Health Pro urged people to stick to food and water hygeine advice. It said: “All UK travellers and tourists planning a trip abroad are reminded to follow good food and water hygiene advice.

“This study shows that visiting countries outside of the EU, and to high-risk areas which had low water, sanitation and hygiene scores, increases the risk of infections that can cause stomach upset, like diarrhoea or vomiting. Between 1 July and 15 October 2023, a rise in stomach bugs was reported in travellers returning to England from popular holiday destinations, including Egypt, Mexico, Tunisia and Turkey.

“Many of these travellers stayed in all-inclusive tourist resorts. The study also suggests the true number of infections is likely to be higher, as it only counted cases diagnosed in travellers after they returned home.”

Before you travel

Before you travel, you should look up information on your destination, including any general health risks, prevention advice and vaccine recommendations or malaria advice.

You should also travel with a basic first aid kit and items to help reduce your risk of food and water illness, such as hand sanitiser, and over-the-counter medicines such as oral rehydration powders, to help you manage diarrhoea.

You must also ensure you have travel insurance before going away.

While you are away

Travel Health Pro issued the following advice:

If you become ill abroad:

• Drink plenty of ‘safe’ fluids, such as bottled water, or tap water that has been boiled and cooled, and use oral rehydration solutions so that you do not become dehydrated
• Get early medical advice if you are at greater risk of complications from gastrointestinal infections, this includes babies/young children, older adults, pregnant women and people who are immunosuppressed or have ongoing health conditions
• Seek medical help if symptoms (such as diarrhoea and vomiting) last more than a few days or are not improving
• Wash contaminated clothes or bedding on a hot wash and clean toilets, taps and door handles regularly
• Avoid using swimming pools if you have a stomach bug. Take children on regular toilet breaks and check nappies often. If you have been told you have cryptosporidium do not use a swimming pool for two weeks after your diarrhoea has stopped
• If you or your partner has had diarrhoea, avoid sexual contact for at least 48 hours

When you return

Travel Health Pro urged people to seek medical attention if you are unwell after returning from your trip. “Remember to tell your nurse, doctor, or other healthcare provider about your recent travel,” it said.

“Wait for 48 hours after symptoms stop, before going back to school or work.” For more information, visit the Travel Health Pro website here.