What is the most common sickness after travelling?

Overview

Ever come back from a holiday feeling more drained than recharged? You're not alone. Between jet lag, street food, and adjusting to new climates, it's common to feel tired. Post-travel sickness happens because your body is exposed to new environments, unfamiliar foods, and disrupted routines. Let's uncover common travel illnesses, their triggers, key symptoms, and when to seek medical attention. Telehealth consultation is a convenient option for appropriate healthcare needs and can complement in-person healthcare. However, some conditions may require a physical examination or in-person assessment.

Why Do People Get Sick After Travelling?

Several factors can weaken your immune system while travelling, including:

• Exposure to new bacteria and viruses that your body isn't used to fighting
• Adjusting to different climates, time zones, and disturbed sleep-wake cycles can stress your system.
• Jet lag, travel stress and exhaustion can contribute to a weakened immune system.
• Consuming contaminated food and water may increase illness risk.
• Spending time in crowded places such as airports, planes, or using public transport may heighten germ exposure.

Precautions Before You Travel Overseas

A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a healthy and happy trip. Here's your pre-departure checklist: Consultation with a medical practitioner: Your doctor or medical practitioner is your travel health counsellor. They can assess your individual needs, recommend vaccinations, and offer advice on any specific health concerns you might have. Vaccinations: Your invisible travel buddy: Think of vaccinations as your personal bodyguard against those infectious diseases lurking in exotic destinations. Depending on where you're headed, you might need protection against typhoid, yellow fever, or even rabies. A quick chat with your online doctor or medical practitioner will sort you out with the right jabs and any necessary boosters. Travel insurance - your safety net: Travel insurance can cover you for medical expenses, lost luggage, and even those unfortunate flight cancellations.

How to Avoid Getting Sick Overseas

Nobody wants to spend their precious travel time battling a bout of gastro or a nasty cough. So, how do you avoid becoming a walking germ magnet? Food and drink: Stick to reputable eateries and opt for bottled water. If you're unsure, channel your inner scout and remember the motto: "Cook it, peel it, boil it, or forget it!" Hygiene habits: Washing your hands regularly is your secret weapon against those germs. Pack some hand sanitiser for those times when soap and water are MIA. And don't forget about mosquitoes – they can be more than just an annoyance. Slap on some insect repellent and consider a mosquito net if you're venturing into high-risk areas. Note : This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a medical practitioner before attempting new wellness programs or using over-the-counter remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

How Can I Stay Healthy Overseas?

Staying healthy on your travels isn't just about dodging illness; it's about feeling your best so you can truly embrace the experience. Here's how to keep your mind and body in shape while you're away: Pack like a pro: Your first-aid kit is your mini health hub on the go. Include essentials like painkillers, antihistamines, something for those "Bali belly" moments, and plasters for those inevitable blisters from exploring new cities. And of course, don't forget any regular medications you take. Hydration is key: Travelling can dehydrate you. Keep a reusable water bottle handy and refill it religiously. Go easy on the alcohol and caffeine – they'll only leave you feeling more parched. Move it: Long flights or bus journeys can leave you feeling exhausted. Get up and stretch regularly to keep your blood flowing. Even a quick wander around the airport can do wonders. Sun savvy: Whether you're catching rays on a Thai beach or exploring ancient ruins in Greece, remember to protect your skin from the sun's harsh glare. Slip, slop, slap! Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – the holy trinity of sun safety.

The Most Common Sickness After Travelling: Traveller's Diarrhoea

The most common sickness after travel is Traveller's diarrhoea, also known as "traveller's tummy". You're more likely to catch it when travelling to areas where food hygiene or water quality standards may not be dependable. In fact, for travellers from high-income countries heading to lower-income countries, it affects roughly 20-50% of trips, depending on destination and conditions. Traveller's diarrhoea occurs when you eat or drink contaminated food or water, and your body responds. Common causes include bacteria such as E. coli (especially enterotoxigenic E. coli), Campylobacter, Salmonella, as well as various other parasites and viruses.

Symptoms

• Abdominal cramps, pain, or bloating
• Loose, watery stools
• Nausea
• Urgency to go to the toilet
• General fatigue or feeling unwell

Note: Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days.

Other Post-Travel Illnesses

Respiratory infections (colds/flu/COVID-19): Planes, airports, and busy tourist areas are ideal breeding grounds for respiratory viruses to spread. Symptoms: cough, fever, fatigue, or sore throat. Prevention: practising good hand hygiene, using face masks, and ensuring your vaccinations are up-to-date. Mosquito-borne illnesses: In warmer regions, especially tropical and subtropical zones, there's a risk of diseases like Dengue fever, Zika virus, or Malaria. Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothes, and using mosquito nets when appropriate. Sinus or ear infections: Changes in cabin pressure, low cabin temperatures, and existing viral infections can contribute to ear or sinus issues, a common problem among frequent flyers. Food poisoning or Gastroenteritis: Similar to traveller's diarrhoea, but often more sudden and intense. It is often linked to contaminated, spoiled, or improperly cooked food. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe dehydration. Jet lag and fatigue: Not exactly an illness, but jet lag can weaken your body, increasing susceptibility to infections. Manage it with plenty of rest, good hydration, and some sunlight exposure.

Travelling With Kids

Travelling with kids? Get ready for an adventure of a different kind! Here are some extra tips for parents: Snack attack: "Hangry" kids can turn any trip into a disaster. Pack plenty of healthy snacks and drinks to keep those little tummies happy. Entertainment is king: Keep your little ones entertained with books, games, and activities. A bored child is a recipe for travel chaos! Kid-friendly digs: Choose accommodation that caters to families. Look for places with cots, high-chairs, and play areas to make your stay more comfortable.

Post-Travel Health Checks

Once you're back in Australia, your doctor or medical practitioner can provide a thorough post-travel review:

• They may request tests for infections such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, or parasitic illnesses, especially if you've been to higher-risk countries.
• If you're a frequent traveller, you might prefer an online or telehealth consultation to discuss symptoms, review medication management (if clinically appropriate), or provide a referral (if clinically appropriate and based on the practitioner's professional judgement).

When to Consult a doctor

See an online doctor if you've returned home and you experience:

• A fever lasting more than 2 days
• Severe diarrhoea or dehydration
• Rash or unexplained swelling
• Persistent cough or chest pain
• Extreme fatigue or yellowing of skin

Some infections can appear weeks after returning home—don't ignore ongoing symptoms. Note: If you experience severe, worsening, or life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain or breathing difficulties, call 000 immediately or attend your nearest Emergency Department (ED)

How Hola Health May Be Able to Help

Hola Health is an Australian telehealth platform that connects you with registered doctors and nurse practitioners — from the comfort of your home, at a time that suits you. Depending on your situation, a Hola Health clinician may be able to help with:

• 24/7 General medical advice via telehealth doctor consult — talk through symptoms or health concerns with a registered doctor or medical practitioner
• Medical certificate online — for work or personal leave, when clinically appropriate
• Referrals to specialists - or in-person services when needed
• Online prescriptions — at a clinician's discretion and where clinically suitable
• Pathology or imaging requests — when assessed as appropriate by your treating clinician

Hola Health clinicians are AHPRA-registered Doctors and medical practitioners in Australia. They will always recommend an in-person consultation, specialist referral, or emergency care if that is in your best interest.

Conclusion

Post-travel fatigue is fairly common, but most travel-related illnesses can be avoided and easily managed. The key is smart preparation, safe travel practices, and attentive self-care after returning home. If symptoms persist, don't wait—speak to an online doctor or medical practitioner via Hola Health for quick, expert support from home. Make your future journeys memorable for the right reasons. Travelling is an incredible experience. It opens our minds, broadens our perspectives, and creates memories that last a lifetime. By taking the necessary precautions and prioritising your health, you can ensure your adventures are filled with joy, not just jabs and jet lag.

FAQs

What is the most common illness after international travel?

Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common, especially after travelling to destinations with poor hygiene or sanitation infrastructure.

How long does traveller's diarrhoea last?

For most people, it resolves within a few days (often 1–3 days) if mild.

What should I do if I get sick after returning from overseas?

Take rest, stay hydrated, keep track of your symptoms, and if they persist or worsen, seek medical advice. Avoid assuming it's just "travel fatigue".

How can I tell if it's food poisoning or an infection?

Food poisoning usually develops quickly after eating spoiled or undercooked food. Infections related to travel can arise from contaminated food or water and often take longer to manifest, potentially appearing several days after returning from a trip.

Can I see an online doctor for post-travel sickness?

Yes, many doctor or medical practitioner operate through telehealth in Australia and can evaluate your symptoms, order tests, or refer you to a specialist for further care.

How do I prevent getting sick on my next trip?

Practise good hygiene, make safe food and water choices, remain current with vaccinations, use insect protection, get enough rest, and limit alcohol during your travel.