Stomach cramps, dizziness, and headaches. Vomiting and diarrhea. Getting stomach infections while traveling abroad is one of the last things you want as a tourist. Apart from a ruined vacation, stomach infections can have more serious consequences, notes Karin Tranberg, division chief at Travelcare at SOS International.
Can be serious
If you don't get the right treatment in time, it can take a serious turn.
"You should be especially careful if it's the elderly or children who are affected. We recommend that you call the alarm center and make sure you get treatment directly instead of waiting and seeing", writes Karin Tranberg in an email comment to TT.
Turkey, Greece, and Spain top the list when it comes to the number of registered cases of stomach infections among Swedish tourists. In June and July this year, the number of stomach infections had increased to 7,650 cases, from the 7,000 registered during the same period in 2023. This is shown by new statistics from SOS International, which TT has taken part of.
Be careful with the buffet
All-inclusive buffets should be approached with caution, and as a tourist, you should always be aware of what you put in your mouth. Fried and cooked food reduces the risk of stomach infections, and you should not eat food that does not appear to be properly cooked.
In our neighboring country Norway, they have also noted a significant increase in the number of tourists who get stomach infections on their vacation abroad. The number of cases increased by 44 percent compared to last year, reports the insurance company Gjensidige according to the Norwegian news agency NTB. Turkey is mentioned as the "worst" in this context.
During the period June-July 2023, stomach infections accounted for 11 percent of the Swedish cases at SOS International.
This year, the figure had risen to 17 percent.
Besides stomach infections, ear infections, fever, and sprained ankles are the most common incidents.
Source: SOS International
Prevent tourist diarrhea through good hand hygiene. Use hand sanitizer.
Don't drink tap water.
Be aware of what you eat.
