If you happen to catch salmonella food poisoning while on holiday, you should expect to be out of commission for at least a few days, potentially feeling back to normal only after a week. This can take up a significant portion of your trip, so it’s crucial to get quick advice and do whatever you can to recover swiftly.
Salmonella is a common type of food poisoning caused by bacteria typically found in eggs, poultry, meat, water, and unprocessed food. People usually contract it due to undercooking these items or from poor hygiene, like not washing hands properly. Common symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, high temperature, and nausea.
When you’re in a foreign country and feeling terrible, it can be a challenge to get the right information quickly. Thankfully, with a smartphone, internet connection, or a laptop, you can easily access helpful advice.
On Facebook, the Food Poisoning Signs group could be a valuable resource. This group regularly posts information about food poisoning, including salmonella, so you don’t need to spend time searching for reliable websites. The page owner frequently shares web links and videos that offer instant tips on how to manage food poisoning.
Alternatively, you can check out the NetDoctor page on Facebook. By hitting the ‘Like’ button before your trip, you’ll have immediate access to a range of health information when you need it. NetDoctor covers all sorts of conditions and illnesses, making it a solid option if you want advice from an official medical perspective.
Mobile apps are another growing trend in self-care tools. There are specific Android apps like Salmonella Info and Salmonella News that provide updates on the bacteria and its treatment. If you travel a lot and worry about catching something like salmonella, there’s even a device in development that will attach to your smartphone to scan food for salmonella and e.coli. Expected on the market by 2014, this gadget could offer great peace of mind for frequent travelers who often suffer from ‘holiday tummy.’
Upon returning home, if you suspect you’ve caught an illness at a hotel overseas, make sure to visit your GP. They can take a stool sample and diagnose what’s wrong.