QUESTION: Food and water safety: what to do in case of poisoning?

Food poisoning while traveling can happen even if basic precautions are followed, so every tourist should clearly know the algorithm of actions in such a situation. The main rule when symptoms of intoxication occur is not to panic and immediately begin providing first aid to your body to prevent severe dehydration. It is helpful to prepare in advance, even during the trip preparation stage, by listing important documents and deadlines: writing down the insurance policy number, addresses of the nearest hospitals and pharmacies, and consulting a doctor about your body's chronic characteristics.

First of all, when nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea appears, you need to start abundant rehydration drinking in small portions every 10-15 minutes. Use special pharmacy powders to restore the water-salt balance, diluted in clean boiled or bottled water, as plain water does not replenish the loss of lost electrolytes.

Next, you should provide the body with complete rest and refrain from eating heavy food for the first twelve to twenty-four hours, allowing yourself only light broth or crackers when your condition stabilizes slightly. Take sorbents that will help bind and remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract, according to the product instructions.

If your condition does not improve within a day, high fever, severe headache, continuous vomiting, or blood in the stool persists, you must seek medical help immediately. Use your travel insurance policy: call the service company indicated in your policy, and the operators will coordinate your actions and send a doctor to you or arrange a transfer to a clinic.