Traveller's diarrhoea while visiting Sweden
Medically reviewed by Dr Toha Soodhun, specialist in family medicine · 15 November 2026
Diarrhoea is the most common illness among travellers. It is usually caused by bacteria from food or drink and most often passes on its own within three to four days. The most important thing is to drink little and often. A doctor can assess you by video if you are unsure, feel weak, or it is not getting better.
What you can do yourself
- Drink small amounts often — ideally oral rehydration solution from the pharmacy, which replaces both fluid and salts.
- Avoid very sugary drinks; they can make diarrhoea worse.
- Eat plain food in small portions as soon as you feel better, such as rice, white bread, soup or boiled fish.
- Adults can use an over-the-counter anti-diarrhoea medicine for a short time if needed, for example before a flight — but not if you have a fever or blood in the stool.
- Wash your hands often and avoid preparing food for others.
Do I need antibiotics?
Rarely. In most cases the body clears the infection on its own, and unnecessary antibiotics increase the risk of resistant bacteria. A doctor prescribes antibiotics only when they are really needed.
What a video doctor can do
- Assess how dehydrated you are and whether you need to be seen in person
- Advise on medicines, including if you take medicines for diabetes, the heart or blood pressure
- Arrange a stool test at one of our clinics when needed
See a doctor in person if…
- You feel tired and weak, or are vomiting for more than a day without improvement
- Diarrhoea for more than a week
- Dry mouth, thirst and passing little, dark urine
- You have a serious illness
Our clinics in Gothenburg, Stockholm and Malmö can usually see you the same day (3,200 SEK, or +700 SEK after a video consultation). If you cannot come in, we can visit you at your hotel or home in central Gothenburg, Stockholm or Malmö — see prices.
Seek emergency care or call 112 if…
- Bloody diarrhoea
- High fever with chills
- Severe abdominal pain that does not ease
- Feeling very tired, weak or confused
Questions
Does diarrhoea affect my contraceptive pill?
It can. If you have repeated heavy diarrhoea within four hours of taking the pill, take another one. See our page on the contraceptive pill.
Can I fly with diarrhoea?
Usually yes, if you can drink and keep fluids down. An anti-diarrhoea tablet can help for the flight if you have no fever and no blood in the stool.
See a licensed Swedish doctor by video
2,500 SEK · No personnummer or BankID · Insurance documents included
Get Medical HelpLife-threatening? Call 112.